Finding Balance, Focus and Connection in the Woods

From the Fall/Winter 2008 issue (Vol. 7  No. 3) of the Community Leader newsletter. By John Weyer, Blandin Foundation Leadership Team

“People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.”

John Wanamaker, a retail innovator, is the author of the above quote.  For me, it is a quote that really summarizes the importance of recreation as a means to stay healthy.  The eight dimensions of a healthy community apply to our personal lives just as they apply to our communities.  We cannot, as community leaders, contribute meaningfully to our community if we lack a healthy perspective as individuals.

Recreation can take on many forms for different people.  Form, or the type of recreation, is far less important than the function ­ to live a balanced and healthy life.

For me, recreation takes the form of hunting. I have not always openly discussed my love of hunting ­ there is somewhat of a stigma associated with hunting and hunters.  But now, I have realized that views about hunting are something that each person must determine for himself or herself.  Hunting has been a focus of mine for many years and fulfills three main objectives. It provides a surrounding that is good for reflection, builds positive memories and even offers physical activity.

A Place for Reflection
After a busy summer and non-stop activity, fall is a welcome site.  As children go back to school, schedules normalize, days get shorter and leaves begin to change, it is the ideal time of year to recharge my batteries and to reflect on the past year. 

There is no better place to do this than in a deer stand. There is something about sitting up in a tree with the scent of fall foliage and the sun warming my face that brings a certain serenity, enabling me to focus on what the past year has brought.  Life often passes by so fast that we don’t take time to look back to see where we were and truly appreciate where we now are.

Building Positive Memories
Anytime you have the opportunity to spend quality time with someone and a shared passion, a positive memory is an inevitable outcome.  These memories can connect and reconnect us with others.  They also are memories that can last a lifetime.  I still revisit hunting stories that happened over ten years ago.  While there are those that no longer wish to listen to me retell the tale, those who experienced it with me are always appreciative.

Memories about the fruits of hard work, companionship, lessons learned and what to change in the future are embedded in hunting.  These positive memories not only provide a base for good conversation but also are often the beginnings of tradition and create excitement for positive memories to come.

Physical Activity
It is way too easy to sit in front of the television or just to relax after a long day instead of engaging in some sort of physical activity.  This pattern of behavior has hastened our decline into a sedentary society.  We have all seen and heard the warnings about the hazards of an inactive lifestyle, but the big question is how do we break out of that pattern.  The best exercise program is one that you enjoy.  Walking through the woods with up to 50 pounds of gear can be quite the workout.  Where does the enjoyment part come in?  For me, it is enjoyable. It is all part of the experience of hunting that contributes to my own personal balance, making a connection with nature and providing a frame for my own life that connects me to others and my community.

John Weyer coordinates, maintains and provides advanced technical work related to the Blandin Foundation Leadership Programs database, Web site, Blandin Knowledge Network site, video editing, social software and e-blasts. He lives in Hill City and is a 2006 BCLP alum.