Friluftsliv

If you know anything at all about me, you know that I love spending time on an island in Belize, on a boat in the Virgin Islands, in the mountains of Telluride, and on Lake LBJ in central Texas. These are my happy places, and the thing that they all have in common is that we spend our days outdoors. Inside is for sleeping and showering, and I often do those things outside as well. On the boat, I often sleep in my hammock on the flybridge and take my showers on the aft deck.

Our modern lives are spent inside. This is understandable when it is 105° in August, but we miss something important when we don’t take deliberate steps to connect with nature and live as we were intended. I credit my mother with instilling a love of the outdoors in me. We camped for weeks on end every summer and spent our days playing in the fields, barns, woods, rivers, and ponds.

The Norwegians know all about the power of living in nature; they call it friluftsliv. It is a philosophy that emphasizes the simple joy of being outdoors to improve your mental and physical well-being. Originating from the cultural traditions of the country, where harsh winters and rugged terrains are common, friluftsliv has become a cornerstone of Norwegian identity. It promotes the idea that nature is not something to conquer but to enjoy, fostering a sense of harmony and respect for the environment. This practice is often seen as a remedy for the stresses of modern life, offering a way to slow down and appreciate the natural world.

My broken foot is still healing, so there was no epic backpacking trip for me this summer, but I enjoyed hours and hours on the back porch in Colorado watching birds, elk, and other critters. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and urbanization, friluftsliv serves as a reminder of the healing power of nature. Embracing this concept can lead to a more balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life that values the simplicity and beauty of the great outdoors.