Self Care in Solitude

A few years ago I stopped hiking on my own due to the wildlife that kept getting reported. I still remember the day I went out on my own and turned around because I was scared to be in the bush alone even though it wasn’t out in the “wild”. I’ve spent the last two years always hiking with friends which I absolutely love. It brings companionship on the trail and someone to share nature’s gifts with.

The view of Samsun Narrows from Stoney Hill

These past two weeks have found me wanting to be outdoors and no one available to be with. Twice now I have gone off on my own for very short hikes, no more than 30 minutes from where my car is parked. Each time I have sat for an hour or two and enjoyed the beautiful views of the ocean, once from Stoney Hill and once from Genoa Bay.  

The view from Genoa Bay  - the other side of Stoney Hill

It has been such a blessing. It has given me some much needed solitude time out in nature. I had no idea how much I missed it and yet I truly did miss having my friends with me. However, on the Genoa Bay hike two of my friends were down below paddling their kayaks. It was comforting knowing they were there and yet I was still alone in the silence of nature. 

May pals below paddling into the marina at Genoa Bay

I guess life gets busy and I try and fit both family and friends into whatever free time I have and it’s wonderful to have people to be with but I realized how important it is to have time to reflect on life and just sit and soak in the beauty around me. 

Awesome pathway through the little oak trees - looking out to Cowichan Bay

I had fun finding little treasures along the way and just sitting in the sunshine warmed me and calmed me from some of life’s frustrations.

Tiny Shooting Stars along the pathway

I obviously need to do this once or twice a month. It really only takes a couple of hours and can be so “refueling” spiritually. I don’t have to hike or drive far. Just fifteen minutes up the road and twenty minutes down the trail. I believe it is important to practice self care so that we can be healthy for others that we love. Life is full of stresses so making sure to take time out for oneself is important. It’s not selfish but very necessary.

Beautiful trillium

Today not having time to drive anywhere I spent half an hour on my patio just sitting with the evening sun on my face listening to the cute little birds chirp around me and bees buzzing happily in the flowers. 

My backyard companion

Spring has finally arrived and it was so peaceful and nourishing for my soul. Later this evening I decided to take a short drive and watch the sunset. It’s always so soothing to watch it slowly sink below the mountain. While I waited I was entertained by the sounds of birds chirping, the quail quickly dashing and the baby bunnies hopping down the trail. It was nature showing me that spring really is the most wonderful season. 

The ending of a wonderful day

Today was a great day and I feel rested, restored and renewed all on top of feeling so very blessed to live on this wonderful Vancouver Island. Life is good especially when you take the time to get outdoors and appreciate the world around you.