January 9, 2022
some awe
The winter weather and heavy rains have added to the challenges of the Omicron surge. December and early January have been tough for me. I still have 3 more weeks of clinic to go before I retire. Both staff and providers have been out and more patients are testing positive for COVID. Getting access to testing is difficult for most. We are short on resources. Adding to that stress are the heart wrenching goodbyes to patients, some of whom I have known for 25 years. All this leaves me drained.
Jamie and I finally escaped in our van for a quick overnight to Birch Bay State Park. Barlow, now 6 months old and 50 pounds(!) came along, proving he is becoming a good camping dog. As alway, my mood lifted quickly with the forest bathing. I shouldn’t be surprised, but it delights me every time. Such a simple fix.
This reminds me of the awe walks we were doing earlier in the pandemic. Finding awe can help recharge the spirit. Often the fastest way to find awe is outdoors. Children need awe time too and can help with the stress of the pandemic. The Nordic concept of “Friluftsliv” can be life changing in winters. Children adapt to it well. The Netherlands has a similar concept of “uitwaaien”, involving open air and the wind. Remember, there is “no bad weather, only bad clothes.”
Wash your hands, cover your nose with an N95 or KN95, make sure you are boosted, and find awe close to home.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.
https://parks.state.wa.us/170/Birch-Bay
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/well/move/an-awe-walk-might-do-wonders-for-your-well-being.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202011/what-are-awe-walks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/children-awe-emotion/2021/11/29/0f78a4b0-4c8e-11ec-b0b0-766bbbe79347_story.html
https://www.parentmap.com/article/meaning-friluftsliv-outdoor-living-pacific-northwest
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20171211-friluftsliv-the-nordic-concept-of-getting-outdoors
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/01/06/netherlands-lifestyle-trend-uitwaaien/