We often hear about the benefits of camping and being outdoors: moving our bodies, getting fresh air, disconnecting from screens, and so on. On the surface, these are great things to want in our lives. However, if it feels hard to take action even after hearing these things—you are not alone.

If we looked at our connection with the outdoors as a relationship, many of us may have the status: it’s complicated. This is understandable because our view of the outdoors is shaped by many things in our modern world. We are taught to view humans and nature as separate entities, we are bombarded with stories about who gets to enjoy the outdoors, and we are prescribed specific ways to engage with the outdoors.

As a result, we each have stories in our minds about why we can’t or won’t go outside: 

• I’ve worked hard to have a good life, why give up the comforts of my home? 

• How do I relax and feel safe out there? 

• There’s too much equipment, preparation, setup, etc.

• People who look like me don’t go camping.

• I don’t want to sleep on the ground!

Are any of these familiar to you? Are there other thoughts or physical resistance you feel when you think of spending time outdoors? Take a moment to check in with yourself and offer compassion for any fears, doubts, or tension you feel at this moment. Whatever you are experiencing is real and valid. This small acknowledgement is a powerful way to start building a relationship from wherever you currently stand.

Once we know where the resistance is, we can consider what our personal relationship with the outdoors could look like. The truth is that there is no “right” way to be in a relationship with the outdoors. Just like our relationships with friends and family are unique, so are our relationships to the outdoors and how we want to enjoy time outside. 

Next, think about the outdoors like a new friend, and both of you are committed to taking time to get to know one another. It is up to you two to decide what feels comfortable and aligned to the season of life you are currently in. So, pull out a journal and let’s explore new possibilities, challenge limitations, and make first steps towards your new relationship goals:

• Why do you want to go camping? It could be having fun, quality time by yourself or with loved ones, feeling grounded, connecting with ancestors, rekindling childhood memories, being part of something bigger, etc. There are no wrong answers here–but this will serve as an important reminder during rough patches, which always come up in relationships.

• What kind of camping would feel fun and easeful for you? Camping is often shown in a rugged and survivalist lens, but there are many ways to go camping. Do you want your camping experience to be social or solitary? Remote or close to amenities? Adventurous or familiar? Simple or luxurious? Family friendly or adult oriented? Skill building or relaxing? Dream up a vision that feels interesting and exciting to you.  

• How do you want to feel after going camping? Are you going for rejuvenation, connection, disconnection, grounding, or something else? Allow this feeling to be a reminder for the reason you want to be out there. 

• What is holding you back? Name any barriers that are preventing you from going out there. It may be uncomfortable to say out loud but there is power in shedding light on what is often unspoken. A barrier is simply a constraint to challenge our creativity on the way to achieving our goals.

• What is one step you can take? This is not about doing it all now or doing it all in one go. One step towards your camping goal could be having a conversation with your partner, booking a campsite, checking what gear you have, or pitching the tent in the living room tonight! Allow yourself to take inspired action here!

Take time to sit with these questions and be honest with yourself. Any relationship is a long-term investment of your time and energy. You are allowed to move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. 

Your version of camping can be different than anything else you’ve seen. There is no need to rush. There is nobody to impress. Small steps towards your goals will add up to shifts in how you see yourself in relation to the outdoors–and you will be confidently calling yourself a camper before you know it.