I’m about to head west on a week-long trek over rugged terrain on the back of a horse. Along the way I will share my observations on how such a spectacular change of scenery affects my outlook on life and leadership.
As I get ready to leave, here’s what I already know. When you unplug and free yourself from life’s everyday stresses, especially doing a little strenuous physical exercise, your come back focused and sharp. It’s always worked this way for me, but it’s also been demonstrated in research.
In a study of 40 undergraduate students published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in 2007, researchers observed that five days of 20-minute meditation training helped improve attention among the subjects. The same routine lowered anxiety, reduced fatigue, assuaged anger, and relieved depression.
I will definitely be getting more than my fill of meditation as I straddle the border between Utah and Arizona on my saddle. I fully intend to hit the road running and return full of zest and energy!
On an even more personal note, on Sunday, May 8, I will have said goodbye to my mom six years ago. For me, being in nature will help me feel just a little closer to her as I celebrate Mother’s Day. This kind of mindfulness is closely linked to being grateful! Be grateful for those you have with you.
When was the last you took the time to connect with yourself, become mindful, and recharge? Let’s hope my reports from ledges of canyons, gorges, and sagebrush plains inspire you to get up and go somewhere as awe-inspiring and reinvigorating as well.
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