Dirt Therapy. This concept started as a way of escaping, or reconnecting, with the less demanding side of our lives. We found ourselves hash-tagging #dirttherapy on every social media post of hikes, river floats, snow skiing & outdoor adventure we found ourselves on, not really knowing where it might take us. If you’d like to know where we came up with the name, take a peek at Morgan’s first blog post.

Dirt therapy can mean something different for everyone. For us, it was primarily about the psychological benefits of ‘unplugging’ from everyday life and reaping the benefits of a nature prescription. (More on that later). Disconnecting from our phones, work, social responsibilities, the overall demands of our society and culture was replaced, even for a short time, by hiking boots, hand warmers, quick-dry clothing, muddy socks, sweat and yes, dirt. …or water, or snow, or mud, or whatever. Keep in mind that dirt therapy doesn’t rely on the concept that you must be in the dirt to benefit. Dirt therapy can mean water therapy, snow therapy, mud therapy, sand therapy, ice therapy… whatever therapy allows you to reconnect with a more primitive version of yourself, quiet your mind, make room for fresh ideas, gain perspective, release those exercise endorphins, rest and rejuvenate.

Therapy, by definition, is a means of treatment to relieve or heal a disorder. Dirt therapy is a way of healing or bringing relief by means of using earth’s primary resource – nature. And before we go any further, let us just get the disclaimer out of the way and say that no author of this blog is a medical professional and that any and all advice given on this website should not replace your treatment care plan, medical provider, or be considered medical advice. Dirt therapy is a supplement to our existing treatments, which is only one leg of the stool that keeps us mentally and physically healthy.

In this blog, we authors each battle our own set of physical and psychological issues and find that Dirt Therapy allows us to chronical our struggles and triumphs, one outdoor adventure at a time in order to disconnect and manage our daily challenges. If we can help others, dammit, we’re doing something right.  So go.  Get lost.

Peace, Love & Dirt

Photo: McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway near Belknap Crater (OR 242), Oregon