As an outdoor mama, my passion for the great outdoors runs deep. From hiking and camping to snowboarding and biking, I've spent a lifetime exploring and discovering the beauty of Nature. And now, as a recent mother to my son Sylas, I'm committed and motivated to passing on that love of the outdoors to him.
With every word I write, every post I share, I aim to be an inspiration for families seeking adventure in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and beyond. My ultimate goal as an outdoor mama is to weave a web of well-being for us all, where the strands of environmental stewardship, mental and emotional resilience, and social connectedness are considered. I strive to be a consistent and dependable source of information for those who wish to deepen their connection to the natural world and discover the positive health benefits of immersing in the outdoors.
Instilling Love for Nature starts Right Away
Sylas was born in the heart of Canadian Rocky Mountains, Canmore, Alberta where my partner and I were living at the time.
Like many other young families, we needed more house after he came along and decided to move down the road to Cochrane to have room to grow and still remain a close drive to our wild backyard.
Raising Sylas in the Rocky Mountains, I am constantly in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds us. From the majestic, snowy peaks to the pristine lakes and rivers, the Rockies offer endless opportunities for outdoor family adventures and activities which was key to my postpartum recovery. As his outdoor mama, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity to explore and influence my baby to engage in this incredible environment.
My Childhood Exposure to Nature Therapy
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of rural Newfoundland, my connection to Nature was forged from the moment I took my first breath. My mother would take me to the local beach for naps and leisurely walks, where I was introduced to the sounds of the ocean waves and the songs of seagulls. As I grew and learned to walk, I would chase my father in the dense forest behind our home. At a very young age, I learned to listen and focus my attention on different sounds that I could hear in this wild environment -- it was such a break from the loud, chaotic environment that my household produced with five kids!
Raised in a musical family, I was no stranger to the art of listening and mimicry. This skill translated seamlessly to my experiences in the natural world, where I would call out and respond to singing birds, a nod to my childhood fascination with Sleeping Beauty. Beside the small creek that flowed through our property, I found solace in listening to gentle trickle of water as I would run my fingers over the fossilized limestone, imagining the creatures that existed before us.
For me, being in Nature cultivates a deeper spiritual connection with the Earth, and reminds me that I am a small part of a huge existence within an interconnectedness of all creatures. After years of soul searching and reflection, I now understand that my fascination for Nature and sounds have helped shaped my passions and career choices. Still to this day, every new trail I explore and every new sound I encounter leaves me feeling grateful and fulfilled. And now, as a parent myself, I long to pass on this same exposure to my precious, innocent baby, so he too may bask in the wonder and excitement of our natural world.
Outdoor Mama Lifestyle Aligns with UN Sustainable Goals
My main mission as an outdoor mama is to provide my baby and other families options for an immersive, outdoor experience that aligns with the United Nations' sustainability goals, and to promote environmental, mental, emotional and social well-being.
Exploring the outdoors with children is not only an opportunity for fun and adventure, but also a means of educating and instilling a deep appreciation for Nature. Children learn to observe and explore the environment, and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations, which aligns with the goal of responsible consumption and production.
As an outdoor mama, I also believe in the importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging, which aligns with the goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions. Outdoor activities with other families promote social connections and a sense of belonging to a community, particularly for children who may be struggling with stress or other emotional challenges.
Promoting Mental & Physical Well-Being
Exploring the outdoors with children is not only an opportunity for fun and adventure, but also a means of educating and instilling a deep appreciation for Nature in young minds. It provides children with a hands-on understanding of the natural world, and encourages them to develop a sense of curiosity and wonder. They learn to observe and explore the environment, and come to understand the importance of preserving it for future generations.
I believe that immersing children in Nature from a young age is essential for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Studies have shown that spending time in Nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost cognitive function. Children who regularly spend time in Nature have been found to have better concentration, creativity and problem-solving skills than those who spend most of their time indoors.
Meditation is also an effective way to help children cope with stress. Meditation helps them to focus on the present moment, and to let go of any negative thoughts or feelings. Children can learn to meditate while they explore the natural world, by simply focusing on the sounds, sights, and smells of Nature around them.
In addition, exploring the outdoors can also be an effective way to foster a sense of community and belonging. When children participate in outdoor activities with other families, they develop social connections and a sense of belonging to a community. These connections and experiences can be particularly beneficial for children who may be struggling with stress or other emotional challenges.
As an outdoor mama, I am committed to providing my son with these benefits through regular outdoor excursions and activities.
Tips and Advice on Simplifying Family Outings
Through lived experiences over this past year, I know that embarking on outdoor adventures with young children can be a massive challenge, especially when you're alone. That's why I hope to be a resource for other families looking to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains with their little ones. From tips on gear and equipment to advice on planning and preparation, I want to share my experiences and knowledge to make it easier for other families to enjoy the great outdoors.
