For some, it’s a bender in Vegas, others backpack into the wilderness with only what they can carry, for some it might be a cruise to Alaska. The one common thread with most peoples reset button is that it’s mounted somewhere away from home.
Of course you can have great weekends at home and run into Monday with a smile. Maybe you were able to find time to knock out a few chores that have been hangin’ over your head for a few months. That closet that’s increasing it’s real estate into the hallway, or a garden in need of some attention. We all do different things to relax, but finding a way to center your feelings, thoughts and emotions usually takes more then just relaxing.
My wife and I’s reset button of choice tends to hide somewhere in nature. No particular place; but we know if we just get there, things will usually come up roses.
It ain’t easy
Resetting yourself usually requires work of some kind, a struggle if you will. Take yoga as an example: The reward of a relaxed, clear mind and supple body doesn’t come from “stretching” for an hour. It’s about the mind and body coming together with an awareness of itself and it’s connection to the ground beneath your feet. It can be grueling and painful but it works, and is a great way to reset and center yourself—say’s the guy that doesn’t do yoga anymore
I’m a firm believer that camping in wilderness without all the convenience and comforts of home can give you a similar feeling. A primitive sense of accomplishment and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. Building a fire and cooking on that fire is not only rewarding, but delicious. Sitting and talking to loved ones without the TV in the background, and only the stars or a fire to avert your gaze.
The little things
We often wake up in the morning, pour some coffee and have a seat for a few minutes to read or watch the news to help us wake up. But when that warm cup of coffee comes with a crisp, chilly morning air and a calming silence disturbed only by a trickling river and the unzipping sound of a tent, there tends to be an accompanying inhalation and exhalation that only nature can provide. No to-do list, no phone, no computer, no microwave, no make-up (optional). Your choices for what to do and what to eat become narrowed in the most wonderful way.
Some camping trips have a specific activity planned for fun and adventure, and that’s great. Countless trips have been made with the idea of conquering a river or mountain, or taking the time to make an amazing dinner that makes you giggle cause you can’t believe your eating such good food with the limited resources you’ve forced yourself into.
Cooking in the wild
I’ve had countless mind blowing dinners in the woods; some easy, some complicated and some that are harrowing epic fails, but the funny thing is…I’m kind over it. I’m over the production, the extra packing, preparation and responsibility; the time taken away. All I want anymore when I’m camping is something in a bowl; soup, cereal, guacamole, whatever. Maybe because cooking is my job, I’m over it being part of my reset button…much to the shugrin of my friends I’m sure.
For those who haven’t cooked in the outdoors…do it. It really is fun if there’s a team effort, or if it’s relaxing. Not that I don’t want to cook anymore, but I only want to put out that extra effort for something we catch ON the trip. Such as fresh crawfish, trout, bass and catfish. To this day, my favorite shellfish dinner was a small pile of central California white water lobsters. Also known as crawfish. We just free dove for them and snatched em up with our hands. The massive headache from the fun was not Scottish. 2 hrs of diving 10-15 feet, with 10-15 Coors Lights in us didn’t help anyone, but it was certainly memorable.