Progress Not Perfection

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” Albert Einstein Being out in nature is a big part of my recovery. It is as an abstract form of the 11th Step; my time to connect with the Universe. That may be a stretch, but I am not discounting the boost to my mental health and serenity. Being out in nature even for a few hours works wonders for my mind, body, and soul. There are numerous studies which back up this fact. And it beats taking anti-depressants any day. I work in Manhattan and split time between Virginia and New Jersey. I am often worn out by the hustle and bustle of modern life. I need quality downtime to recharge my soul. Getting out into nature is the best way to do this. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and I can't get out as much as I want, but always try. This past weekend my girlfriend and I (and our dog) finally had the chance to hike, and we headed out on a day trip to Leesylvania State Park. Located in Woodbri...

Great Falls Virginia  . I still have my struggles with anxiety and maintaining my serenity. In part, they are due to physical and geographical burnout. Sometimes life is life. I do what I can. I have a greater awareness of myself and my needs today. Serenity goes hand in hand with connecting with my spiritual side. This includes spending time in nature. Recent studies have advised that city living is detrimental to psychological health₁. Getting away from concrete and pavement and spending time in open green spaces is good for or us ₂. I didn't need a study to tell me that city life does not agree with me. I know first-hand having lived it. My professional life has had me sitting at a desk, staring at a computer monitors eights hour a day. Work is not the only part of my day. I have been commuting back and forth from Jersey to Manhattan for the past 20 years. I like my job, love who I work with, but the commute will be my death. The hustle and bustle of tr...