Go outside.

Do it today.

I want to make the argument for simply walking outside. Getting caught up in the endless cycle of tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities is easy (especially if you are a parent). Glued to screens, sedentary and detached from the natural world around us. Yet, stepping outside, breathing outdoor air, and ideally letting the sun hit your skin offers profound spiritual benefits that can rejuvenate our souls and ground us in the present moment, or at least that's been my recent experience.

One of the most significant barriers to experiencing these benefits is the inertia of sitting still. It takes effort to break free from our comfortable routines and venture into the great outdoors.

Pushing through this barrier can be incredibly rewarding. Walking in a park, hiking up a mountain trail, or even sitting quietly can provide a sense of peace and clarity often elusive in our daily lives.

Living in the moment is a practice that many of us struggle with. Our minds constantly race, replaying past events or worrying about future outcomes.

But when we immerse ourselves in nature, we are gently reminded of the beauty and simplicity of the present. You don't have to contemplate your existence and stare into the sky, but I challenge you to hyper-focus on the one thing you're doing, the one moment you're experiencing, or even the day itself.

The mere act of attempting to focus on the present is a step above what 99% of others are doing on a daily basis.

It's not easy, and It requires intentionality and practice. Yet, nature provides the perfect setting for this practice. When we allow ourselves to be fully present, we open up to a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.

We begin to appreciate life's small, often overlooked details, and this mindfulness can lead to more significant spiritual growth and fulfillment.

“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”

So you were born to feel “nice”? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?

You don’t love yourself enough. Or you’d love your nature too, and what it demands of you.”

― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

When you feel comfortable and tell yourself you should be doing that one thing you wish you were doing, do it.

If you don't do it today, you probably won't do it tomorrow.