Childlike Wonder: The power of nature, adventure, and fun!
Kevin Rains going fast, around 10 years old
As we grow older, it can be easy to lose our sense of childlike wonder. We become jaded by the world and its problems, and we forget how to simply enjoy simple things.
You can recapture that sense of wonder, and one of the best ways is to spend time outside, immersed in nature.
Nature has a way of rejuvenating our spirits and reminding us of the beauty of the world. When we spend time in nature, we are more likely to experience feelings of awe, wonder, and gratitude. We are also more likely to be creative and imaginative.
What are some simple ways you can experience nature?
A hike in the woods
A walk on the beach
Sitting in your backyard and watch the birds.
Getting outside of your comfort zone and going on an adventure is another great way to recapture your sense of childlike wonder. When we do something that challenges us and takes us out of our comfort zone, we are more likely to experience feelings of excitement, joy, and satisfaction. Adventure stretches us. It helps us learn and grow. When we face new challenges, we are forced to step outside of our comfort zone and learn new things, increasing our confidence and resilience.
There are loads of opportunities for adventure in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky! Ziplines. Underground Kayaking. Off-road riding. Hiking to remote areas. Climbing with a trusted guide.
Simply having fun is another key ingredient in the recipe to recapture your sense of childlike wonder. It can be anything from playing a game with your friends to watching a funny show. When we do things that make us laugh and smile, we feel happy and carefree.
There's also some good science behind having fun! Fun enhances our mental and physical health. When we have fun, our brains release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Fun can also help us to reduce stress and improve our sleep.
Here's a simple starting point: climb a tree. This was a favorite for many of us when we were kids! When we climb trees, we are able to experience the world from a different perspective. We see things that we would never see from the ground, feel the wind in our hair, and the sun on our face.
Oh, I almost forgot! There are physical and social benefits as well. Playing outside is a great way to get exercise and fresh air. It is also a great way to socialize and make friends; when we play outside, we are able to let loose and have fun without worrying about anything else.
Recapturing your sense of childlike wonder is important for your mental, physical, and emotional health. It can help you to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your creativity. Spend time in nature, go on adventures, have fun, climb a tree and play outside. Whatever you do, get out there and explore the world! You might just be surprised at how much fun you have. Enjoy those freshly released endorphins!
*We’d love to host you for a glamping adventure, retreat, or family reunion on Dappled Light’s 50-acre property! Whether it’s your first time in the woods or you’ve glamped around the world, we offer a lot of great opportunities to rest and play in nature - a canopy net, miles of hiking trails, and tons of local activities. We’ve designed very comfortable, intentional spaces so your nights are as restful as your days are fun.
Rest. Play. Rejuvenate.
From the whole Dappled Light team, thank you for reading!
We look forward to hosting you soon,
Kevin
