MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2020

42 challenges but I have been on many adventures and experienced a good life. It is all part of the human experience.” The human experience can include so much joy and happiness but can also include deep loss and trauma. “Outdoor activities within a community of people helps to ease feelings of isolation and loneliness, feelings which often contribute to poor mental health,” explains Laura Martin, Registered Psychotherapist with the Georgian Bay Family Health Team. “It gives people a sense of connection, belonging and accomplishment, and the opportunity to be a bit playful.” Life in the military, and in many other professions, often includes separation from loved ones, sleep deprivation, physical injury and illness which can be wearing on mental health. Outdoor activity can play a role in managing, healing and moving forward from the experience of illness and injury as it provides us a space to process and reflect. “There are so many physical and mental health benefits to physical exercise, especially when you take it outside. The release of endorphins can provide a lot of relief from physical and psychological pain,” Laura Martin adds. “Outdoor activities also bring people together through a common experience, rather than a focus on the trauma.” This is exactly what Soldier On provides: a community of people on a similar path to healing. We reached the top of Blue and I took a seat under the Southern Comfort chair with Elisabeth Duggan. I learned that she worked as a chaplain in the military. Her work required her to be present for others and provide a safe and open space for people to speak freely. Soldier On provided her with the opportunity to get outside and stay active. “Mental health issues can pull you back but being surrounded by nature can pull you out,” she added as we made our way towards the gondola for our ride down. Immersing ourselves in the natural world has extensive benefits on our all-around health and well-being. Activities such as hiking, biking or paddling allow us to move outside of ourselves, giving us space, and within that space lies an understanding and processing of life experiences. These activities put you into the present moment, placing you at the point where emotions, thoughts and attitudes of the past—and the worry about what’s still to come—converge. Some call this state mindfulness or flow. Whatever you call it, we all undoubtedly feel calmer, more attuned and aware of ourselves after spending time in this state. As we walk towards the gondola one hiker lights a cigarette and tells me how much he enjoyed the hike. The juxtaposition makes me laugh. He laughs too. The lighthearted banter resumes and then someone nervously asks exactly how high the gondola is off the ground. The thing is, we all have our vices, flaws and fears. Some of us are just more open, accepting and forgiving to ourselves and others for what we are. “Depression and trauma can cause you to retract from the world but the Soldier On program provides a venue for you to get outside and put yourself back out there.” WELLNESS AT BLUE