{"id":24333,"date":"2020-11-06T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/11\/06\/the-power-of-nature-inspires-and-heals\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:45:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:45:57","slug":"the-power-of-nature-inspires-and-heals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/opinion\/commentary\/2020\/11\/06\/the-power-of-nature-inspires-and-heals\/","title":{"rendered":"The power of nature inspires and heals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many of you have been there. During a field exercise or a land navigation course, your mind is on the mission and yet you\u2019re surrounded by some incredibly tranquil outdoor scenery. Maybe it\u2019s a breathtaking view overseas on a deployment. For a few seconds, standing on a rocky outcrop, lakeside, or deep in the woods, you\u2019re inspired and remind yourself to return to something \u201clike this\u201d but on your own time and without the pressure or stress of the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret the outdoors is a healing balm for mental stress and for many, the mental wounds we carry. Stepping outside for coffee on the porch, a short hike by the lake, or setting out for an overnight backpacking trip with your battle buddy or family all have a way of calming the chaos of daily life and helping us hit that reset button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earl Shaffer was credited as the first to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in a single season. A former U.S. Army radio man during World War II, many thought he was crazy for doing such a hike. When asked why he did it, he simply stated that it was to \u201cwalk the war out of my system.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many parks, forests, and wilderness areas offer places for everyone to connect to nature\u2019s therapeutic power. As our nation continues to navigate through its challenges and many yearn for some sense of normalcy, we all have an opportunity to turn inward for reflection and step outside into nature to heal what troubles us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For 27 years, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)<\/a> has supported surviving family members, those grieving the loss of their loved one who served in our nation\u2019s military, and continues to advocate for their needs. Through years of multi-day expeditions in the wilderness, TAPS has seen firsthand how intentional connection with the natural world impacts the way we grieve as well as the way we choose to live and ultimately thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe goal is simple: help our network of surviving military families and friends of TAPS get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and utilize the tools we have to support their journey to healing along the way,\u201d says Rachel Hunsell, program manager for outdoor engagement at TAPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\t