"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." - Henry David Thoreau
If you are like me, and took Advanced Placement English courses in high school, chances are you were required to read "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau. And chances are, you hated it. The soul searching, the introspection and transcendentalism was all a little much for our seventeen year old minds; we were too preoccupied with the superficialities of high school. Yet, much like Thoreau compares the change of seasons to human development, I too have changed and matured. I suppose I have entered the summer of my life, and now am capable of appreciating the message Thoreau sends in his satire.
1. It's a detox — for the mind body and soul.
Taking a journey into the woods is detoxifying for the whole body, purifying one physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sure, we may drink green tea to flush away toxins, or do yoga for spiritual clarity, but nature is the simplest way to seek purity (and it's free!).
2. Stress relief.
Finding yourself on an empty trail in the woods, with sun streaming in through the leaves gives a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else. The stress of school, of work, of family, and all the troubles of a college student (ahem financial) melt away. The buzz of traffic, of gossip, of life all quiet down until they can no longer be heard.
3. Change of scenery.
All though we all live for the weekends, it's nice to take a break from going out all night and waking up tired and hungover. Taking an early morning hike and seeing the sunrise will leave you fresh and rejuvenated — something you definitely won't feel after a night out. Plus, the party scene gets old anyways, same people, different weekend. Nature is always changing, and it's always breath taking.
4. No need to dress up.
Even more importantly, there is no need to look nice! Forget the heels and winged eyeliner, let's try the "au naturale" look for a change. A pair of old sneaks, a baseball cap and your favorite sweatshirt will do just fine.
5. You can still take a nice Insta pic.
Okay so maybe this is a little bit self indulgent, but we millennials can't help ourselves. Sorry Thoreau, but I am absolutely taking a picture that I will later put on Instagram — it's increasing my aesthetic. At least it's not another party picture or a selfie right? And I am outside enjoying nature?
In conclusion, I have learned to embrace Thoreau's ideas of simplicity and solitude. It's important to have moments of serenity in a world of such calamity.
