First Impressions on the C&O

We made it. Our first Therapeutic Backpacking trip in conjunction with Ecotherapy Maryland came to a close late this morning. It was a long weekend of trekking, nature-activities, group processing, and self reflection. I could not have asked for a better group to be with as I start to gain my footing as a facilitator in these immersive nature experiences.

All of us - participants and guides, alike - were in some respect "first timers." First time working together. First time living together. First time sawing wood. First time eating freeze dried eggs. First time carrying our supplies for miles on our back. "First" experiences can be approached with trepidation, excitement, and a world of attitudes in between. And sometimes how we approach the newness influences the outcome. Other times, the power of novelty cannot be swayed by our mindset and we, instead, learn the lessons we are meant to whether we like it or not. What "firsts" often consistently provide is a catalyst for our brains to make new connections that foster neuroplasticity.

The brain's ability to continuously change and adapt in response to new experiences and new information means there is hope for recovery from trauma. In the same way our brains adapted to survive dysfunctional experiences, our brains can also recover and heal when exposed to healthy sensory stimulation. Research tells us that intentionally seeking out these healthy experiences - of which nature abundantly provides - can do wonders to repair and create brain connections that serve us more adaptively.

So if you've sufficiently strengthened the neural networks for stress, anxiety, and depressed mood this year, we invite you to consider strengthening new brain networks for focused attention and relaxation on the C&O Canal. If you see the tortoise and the golden eagle in the Little Orleans area, tell them we said "hi."