You really should go outside. Not by yourself, bring your children.

Here are some of the reasons (most from personal experience…):

1.       It’s healthy, especially if you walk. Even if you sit, the air is better outside than in.

2.       The air is better! Did I already say that? It is.

3.       The pressures of life will slide off your soul. Some call it stress-relief, yes, it is.

4.       Time outside builds cognitive function. I’m a teacher. I have witnessed this phenomenon in students-and in my own mind. Almost all of our senses are activated while outside.

5.       Time outside reminds us of our humanness. We are not as big as we think. Time outside helps to keep egos deflated.

6.       Time outside becomes a delight. There is mystery in every venture outdoors. What animals are watching?

7.       Time outside is economical. No fancy equipment is needed. We already have high quality sensory equipment to enjoy sights, sounds, scents and touch. It is usually best to refrain from tasting.

8.       Time outside builds comprehension of how nature works.

9.       Time outside enables us to understand the truth about nature. We see how it works, witness the water cycle and seasonal changes at work. It causes us and our children to become better citizens.

10.   Time outside eventually leads us to recognize the presence and power of God.

What is a… “How Are Things Doing Hike?”

An 11-year old boy was disturbed that I called this a “How Are Things Doing Hike.” He did not like the word order of the phrase. He wanted to change the order to How Things Are Doing? Let me explain. Placing the word ARE after the question word How provides a focus on time…You could think of it this way: How are things doing right now? Or how are things doing-while I am present to see them. This is in contrast to how things are doing…here the focus is on what activities things in nature are engaged in. Since we have a limited time outside I like the focus on now…How ARE Things Doing? Things are always changing. How are things…now? That’s what this hike is about.

What should you do? Consider the following short list as simply places to start:

1.       This is best if there is hiking involved.

2.       Use all of your senses…but do not limit yourself to only sight. Use your other senses to answer the question How Are Things Doing?

3.       Watch for movement as you walk

4.       Look for tracks in sand, mounds of pocket gophers, places where earth is disturbed.

5.       Keep your eyes open for animal scat (that’s the scientist’s word for manure.)

6.       Hike quietly, stop to listen and watch regularly.

7.       If you come to a place which offers a good view, stop and sit, watch…listen.

8.       Try to answer the question…How ARE Things Doing? Right now.

9.       Go to the same place regularly…be observant for how things change from one hike to the next.

10.   Remember to give thanks…God has graciously given you the strength, time, senses, and He created the place for you to hike in. He even provides the oxygen you need to exchange in your lungs.

What is there to stop you from taking a How Are Things doing Hike?

Watch the video of today’s How Are Things Dong Hike…