A two-hour break between coaching clients loomed ahead, so instead of running errands I decided to take a walk. Over the past fifteen years, I have often brought my acting and media students outside to engage their senses as a memory recall exercise. However I had never indulged in a full-fledged hike on this inviting trail. Today was the day I donned my exercise clothes, tennis shoes, sunglasses, and hat to set off on my excursion to the wilds.

What an oasis of hidden surprises awaited me right behind my office complex. The path follows a creek bed with gurgling waterfalls, gigantic oak trees, and quaint wooden bridges careening over giant boulders. Squirrels scampered about collecting black walnuts, the chirping of birds filled the silence. The path took me through an orchard of pears, apples, and plums which opens onto a forest of pines. Wild blackberries were a sweet and welcome treat since I hadn’t eaten any lunch. A lady on horseback waved hello as I continued to the redwood groves. The air was clean and smelled of the rich earth of the woods. There were no sounds of automobiles, phones, or city clamor. If I had been on a craft finding adventure, I could have filled a cornucopia with grasses, seedpods, thistles, dried branches, and other natural treasures.

On my return I passed a man on a bicycle and a couple walking their dog. I returned to my office just in time to change back into my business attire to great my next coaching client.

“You are beaming!” my client exclaimed. “Did you just receive some really great news?” “Yes,” I responded, “I found great news! For over fifteen years I have worked from this office building and today, for the first time, I explored the nature trail outside. What a grounding experience!”

“That’s exactly what I need,” said my client. “Do you think we could have our session outside?” “Absolutely!” I retorted. “Paradise awaits right outside my back door.”

We all travel around the world to distant lands and exotic places. Have you taken the time to explore the vicinity outside your back door? The next time you have two hours, check out the paths, trails, and by ways in your business location or neighborhood. There is beauty all around us. All we have to do is open our eyes. Happy hunting.