Obviously, I’ve had a little time now to really submerge myself into this whole Dirt Therapy world, spend countless hours purposefully and intentionally paying close attention to my personal outdoor experiences, and get a feel for the psychological and physical benefits. And let me tell you – there’s something to it.

Don’t get me wrong – I already knew there were benefits to getting out, surrounding myself in the most natural of elements, and getting a little dirty. I knew that I felt better. I knew that preferred being out there. I knew I had done plenty of research to prove the benefits. I did, after all, decide to start blogging on the entire concept. But what I’m finding in this journey is more. So. Much. More.

Let me just mention that I work a pretty high stress job. I manage, I research, I push for progress and improvements, I report, enhance and procure. I spend most of my days white-knuckling it just to push past the symptoms of my illness and be everything that is required of me. Sometimes I drag in at the beginning of the week and just have… nothing. I have nothing to give.

But every once and a while, I have something…

Something pretty spectacular happens when when I’m able to really get in a good, long, quality weekend in the great outdoors. When the week ends and my brain registers that first outdoorsy smell, I lay eyes on that blanket of pine trees, or hear that silent sound of snow, my ‘work brain’ shuts off and that more primitive side of my brain turns on. I feel that initial release that hits me smack dab in my emotions. That wound up feeling begins to subside and my nervous system seems to register the fact that it can flip the switch back to calming mode.

It’s like filling up the tank or recharging the battery within. I come home on Sunday with the satisfaction that I have accomplished something meaningful, even if I know it will only deplete as the week progresses. I am a good kind of tired. I’m in a good place and I feel like I can take on the week ahead of me.

I can take satisfaction in knowing that there is endless opportunity to replenish. It’ll be there waiting for me and I can go into work on Monday with something. Something, indeed, to give.

Peace, Love & Dirt.

~Misty

View from Dee Wright Observatory, Old McKenzie Pass, Central Oregon