The Wilderness Heals – Anne's Travels

Views from Deadmans Pass along the Summer Blossom Trail in Washington

I read an article a couple weeks ago about some tests conducted by the Sierra Club, REI, and University of Berkeley. The participants were those who had experienced significant trauma and were exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. The testing field was the American River in California. And the testing vehicles were rubber rafts.

The participants rode the rafts down the river, while their emotional and stress symptoms were recorded before, during, and after their trips, as well as about a week later to test for lasting effects.

Repelling through the potholes of the Golden Cathedral in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah

The results were surprising (to me) not from the fact that emotional health improved or that stress levels decreased – which they did. It’s a well-known thing that people go out into the wilderness to destress, and that lower stress levels will make you happier and more relaxed. I was surprised by of the amount of change. Participants noted a 30% reduction in PTSD symptoms, not to mention being happier and less stressed, even a week after the rafting trip.

In effect, the wilderness had affected them with healing.

Kootenai River, Montana

It’s a wonderful thing to me that God created a place and a way for us to find healing in what He has made. Whether they knew Him or not, He made a place that would so affect their psyche that they found emotional and mental healing by just being in the wilderness.

Overlooking Lake Powell from high on the ridgeline, Utah

That’s so God. Making a place ahead of time, knowing its effects, and then allowing, even leading, people to take part in what He has made.

It’s love.

Incredible love.

A mountain goat overlooking Logan Pass in Glacier National Park, Montana

Thinking on it, I can see the number of times I have returned from trips to the wilderness with a measure of healing. I didn’t necessarily understand it or cognitively recognize the change. I just knew that I had changed, that I had come back the better for it.

John Muir is quoted to have said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”