I've never been one who embraces the whole "be one with nature" concept. I don't camp. I never walk barefoot. I don't take time to smell the roses. Laying in a hammock seems like taking your life into your own hands. I will never suggest going for a hike. I don't picnic. And the thought of getting married on the beach is my version of hell. In fact, it would be fair to say, the closest I come to being one with nature is laying by a pool with a cocktail.
All this in consideration, you can imagine my surprise when I did in fact find myself enjoying some one on one time with nature. Did I go camping? Um, hell to the no. And the chance that I actually laid in the grass are pretty much zero to none, so before our minds start to wander to all the things I didn't do, I will explain:
Once a week, my friend and I attempt to run stadiums. I say attempt because when it comes down to it, I don't know what we are doing is actually considered running stadiums in the truest sense of the term. Are we in the stadium? Yes. Do we run around the stadium? Sometimes. Do we actually run all the way up the bleachers? No. Simply put, I am afraid of heights and all it took was one exhausting trip to the top to remind me of my fear. Throw in the whole shaking from running, breathless panic and spinning stadium and you have one extremely uncomfortable gal who refuses to do nothing but lay on the bleacher and silently pray for a way to get down that doesn't involve actually moving.
As I was sitting at my desk this week considering all the things I could do to waste time while I waited for my friend to meet me at the stadium, none of the things that would normally appeal to me seemed to be the answer. I didn't want to spend the money for shopping, I didn't want to drive all the way home, and since I am dieting, getting a snack was out. Finally, the most random though dawned on me. Why not go to the stadium and lay on the bleachers and listen to my ipod? Since I typically only go to the stadium for workouts and Gator games, I didn't know if I actually had the nerve to do it. Would I look crazy just laying there? What if a bug crawled on me? Would people think "no wonder she is fat, if THAT'S what she comes to the stadium for?!" Throwing caution to the wind, I decided I was going to give it a try.
One of my favorite sites in Gainesville, is walking into the stadium and seeing the field. Whether it's football season or not, or the field is in great shape or not, I always seem to catch my breath when I walk in and see the field. This day was no exception. I decided the best place to have my rest would be in the north end zone. I had 45 minutes until my friend was due to show up. Would I actually be able to just lay there the whole time?
The answer is YES! As I laid there and put my ipod on my "mood music" (see definition below) play list, a gust of wind hit my face, and I smiled. It was quiet possibly the best way I've spent 45 minutes in a long time. Adding to my amusement was the occasional glares I would receive from people who when I happened to open my eyes, I'd catch looking at me. Most people would look away quickly, but there were a few girls who openly glared at me. I just smiled back at them. Wasn't my fault they didn't think to do it! I think what really must have bewildered people was the fact that typically when you see people laying on the bleachers they have just finished killing themselves and were taking a break to catch their breath. Not this girl. I walked in, laid down, put my hands behind my head and just laid there for 45 blissful minutes.
I know most people would not consider this "being one with nature" but for someone who would rather be poked constantly in the eye than go camping, it really was. I don't remember the last time I made time to literally do nothing but listen to music and look up at the clouds. I am normally so wrapped up in my day to day habits that lately revolve around work, working out and dieting, that I have not taken the time to actually work on or heal my mind as well. It is amazing to me that I can sleep for a 8 solid hours and still wake up exhausted, but I take a one 45 minute break from the world and I feel like a new woman. So, I guess my whole point in all of this is to remind everyone (including myself) that no matter how random it may seem or weird it may look, don't forget to take time to stop and smell the stadium. Or roses.
Mood Music as defined by Me:
- Music that doesn't really inspire you to do anything but listen to it. This music will not pep up your mood, nor will it energize you. If you are sad, you will remain sad. There will be no "you go girl" moments while listening to mood music.
Examples of mood music (actually on my ipod):
"The Story" - Brandi Carlile
"Gravity" - Sara Bareilles
"I Won't Give Up" - Jason Mraz
"I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" Ingrid Michaelson
"Sparks"- Coldplay
