The seasons of Northern Michigan are captivating. In spring, muddy brown gives way to glistening green, and the return of regular sunshine brings tears to the eyes. In summer, we swim in crystal lakes and paddle winding rivers, grow bountiful food, and take respite in vibrant green forests bustling with wildlife. In fall, the leaves of the maples, birches, aspens and oaks shock us with their fiery and final hurrah, and we begin to prepare for the coming cold, the quiet, the snow.
The vividness of the seasons envelops us in an inescapable embrace. If you’re like us, no matter the season, you’re constantly beckoned to be outdoors, to feel the breeze on your cheeks, your feet on the earth, sky over your head.
Why does it feel so good to be in nature? There are many fascinating and important biological reasons. There is also a reason that enters the philosophical realm (one of our favorite realms, for the record), which is that nature does not ask us to be anything but ourselves. Something in us seems to remember that we innately belong, that we are enough just as we are.
Just by breathing, we are giving and receiving in the cycle of life: we take in the oxygen given to us by the plants when we inhale, and we give the carbon dioxide they need to flourish. If we stay in nature for long enough, we start to experience ourselves as part of our environment, not separate from it. In this oneness, it is possible to feel both infinitesimal and enormous. The unique instrument that is our sovereign being gets to ring freely, and harmonizes perfectly with the giant, universal symphony of existence.
Look at any child in nature and you’ll know that this feeling is innate to humanity; they frolic in the vastness of a wild beach or a star filled sky, while dancing to their own unique rhythm that comes from within.
Perhaps this is also why we ski! When we kick and glide through the forest, we embody this inner rhythm and express it into each stride, each arm swing. This rhythm emanates from us, pounds into the earth and radiates from our hips, shoulders and heads, and soon we feel flow, harmony, and an elated state of oneness. We are that child once again!
Nature also reminds us that change is the only constant. Nothing in nature stays the same; it is constantly cycling through growth, abundance, decay, death, and new life. So as fall turns into winter, we find ourselves embracing the change with readiness and excitement. We look forward to another opportunity to step more authentically into connection with nature, with ourselves, and with you, our incredible XC community. Thank you for all the ways in which you inspire us with your Nordic Spirit. See you at HQ, and don’t miss our 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Feb 22nd, 2025!
