Trust in nature – It may set you free.

Now that masks are optional in most places around the mountain valley where I live - and elsewhere - perhaps I’m not the only one smiling more. Or maybe it’s the spring-like weather.

Regardless, there’s an underlying essence of freedom has been restored (Smiles! Faces! Choices!), but I’m cautious about being overly hopeful because while walking around mask-free feels carefree, freedom lies within our own hands. Or, perhaps, our own health.

It’s in our refrigerators, pantries, medicine cabinets. It’s in roots, leaves, stems, moss, fungi. It’s in hydration, sleep, movement, connection, beliefs, love. In tradition.

The virus is doing what viruses do (adapting) and we’ve done a dang good job adapting, as well. We’re designed to because humans coexist with nature. While we also adapt to the man-made environment around us (including regulations, mandates and more), maintaining our own mental, physical, and emotional wellness will, in turn, positively affect our outer environment. Like the ripples of smiling.

Darwinism aside, I’d love to see us return to a community-supportive life without fear and, instead, with trust in each other’s ability to be resilient. I’d love to see us prioritize our personal and family health above all else. That will ripple out, too. 

Instead of letting loose too quickly, let’s return to some good habits many of us adopted two years ago: cooking at home, sleeping more, resting more, tuning in, walking pensively around town, spending quality time with our kids. Let’s be diligent about daily rituals that elevate our thoughts and nourish our bodies, like eating nutrient-dense food, finding stillness, exercising daily, interacting socially. You know, the completely natural stuff you’ve been hearing about for years (I hope).

Longer, lighter days beckon us to play – go outside! Cold nights bring us back home – come back in. Ebb and flow. External and internal rhythms connected and reliant upon each other.

As with cycles of ill- or well-being, painful and joyful news, fear and love, life and death, when we embrace life cycles with intentional rhythms inspired by seasons, we live more harmoniously with the earth – and humans – rather than in conflict. That is resiliency.

We’re a few into Lent, traditionally to honor the 40 days Jesus spent fasting, praying, and giving, but for me it’s a reset and an invitation for letting go of what’s not serving me, and inviting what will. I grew up thinking Lent was about self-flagellation. I’d give up chocolate or pastries, alcohol or sugar. Many people give up meat, fish, eggs (even dairy), originally because animals and plants also are preparing for new birth. Others fast, limiting meals to once per day. Others give money, food, or commit to daily acts of kindness.

Lent invites me to reflect on the inherent nature of humankind – trust, discipline, and focus on what truly matters.

So, I spring to my pantry: What does my body need? What will serve me and keep me well? I look forward to strawberries and baby lettuce soon, while preparing tofu, kale, and garlic over pantry staples like quinoa, topped with kraut and roasted potatoes. At night, I retire by 9:00 to wake restful 8-ish hours later. My friends get me outside during workdays.

Time to reexamine your own life habits, meals, and beverages? Which are supporting you? Which are not? What might you let perish in exchange for revitalization? And does that choice harmonize with late winter/early spring?

Or keep it simple. A smile is worth a thousand more.