Most of us long for wild adventures. Not just a run through the neighborhood park but adventures in the untamed wilderness. The kind that makes your lungs burn and your spirit soar. Forget the Netflix marathons and Instagram scrolls – I’m talking about adventures that leave you with mud under your fingernails, sweat dripping down your brow, adrenaline in your veins, and a soul full of stories whispering of self-discovery.
Some might call these escapades selfish – a retreat from the “real world” into a playground for overgrown kids. But hear me out: these adventures are the crucible where meaning is forged, where purpose takes shape, and where the best versions of ourselves are carved from the granite of challenge. These adventures can become a rite of passage toward self-transcendence and allow us to show up to life as the best versions of ourselves ready to inspire and lead others along the same path. Mindfully spending time in nature combined with challenging ourselves leads to countless positive outcomes.
Science agrees. Here’s a partial list of peer-reviewed scientific journal articles that support outdoor adventures:
Meaning and Purpose:
- Crawford, Maxine R., and Mark D. Holder. “Enhancing spirituality and positive well-being through nature.” International Journal of Psychology Research 7.2 (2012): 83. This study explored how people can have profound and transformative spiritual experiences through nature that improve well-being and sense of purpose.
- Kellert, Stephen R. Nature by design: The practice of biophilic design. Yale University Press, 2018. This landmark work examines the relationship between humans and nature, particularly emphasizing how experiencing nature through biophilic design can foster a sense of meaning and connection.
- Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia and the conservation ethic. This classic article posits the theory of biophilia, an innate human tendency to connect with nature, and suggests that nature experiences can contribute to environmental responsibility and a sense of purpose.
Self-Transcendence:
- Maslow, A. H. (1970). Motivation and personality (3rd ed.). Maslow’s influential work on the hierarchy of needs explores self-transcendence as the highest level of human motivation, achievable through experiences that connect us to something larger than ourselves, including nature.
- Transcendence and Sublime Experience in Nature: Awe and Inspiring Energy. This study investigates awe as a specific emotion triggered by nature experiences and its connection to self-transcendence and prosocial behaviors.
- Bratman, G. N., Daily, G. C., Levy, B., & Gross, J., (2015). The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition. This research explores how different levels of nature immersion, like wilderness experiences, can influence emotions and self-transcendent feelings.
Mental Health:
- Barton J, Pretty J. What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environ Sci Technol. 2010 May. This comprehensive review analyzes research on the relationship between nature exposure and mental health, highlighting the positive impacts on mood, anxiety, and stress reduction.
- Morita E, Fukuda S, Nagano J, Hamajima N, Yamamoto H, Iwai Y, Nakashima T, Ohira H, Shirakawa T. Psychological effects of forest environments on healthy adults: Shinrin-yoku (forest-air bathing, walking) as a possible method of stress reduction. Public Health. 2007 Jan;121(1):54-63. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2006.05.024. Epub 2006 Oct 20. This study examines the physiological effects of forest walking on stress reduction, demonstrating the role of nature experiences in regulating cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
- Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With Nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207-1212. This article in Psychological Science investigates the cognitive benefits of nature exposure, demonstrating improvements in attention and memory capacity after spending time outdoors.
- Sheard, M., & Golby, J. (2006). The Efficacy of an Outdoor Adventure Education Curriculum on Selected Aspects of Positive Psychological Development. Journal of Experiential Education, 29(2), 187-209. This study in The Journal of Experiential Education examines the impact of outdoor adventure programs on adolescents, highlighting improvements in self-efficacy and reductions in anxiety levels.
- Alan Ewert aewert@indiana.edu & Aiko Yoshino (2011) The influence of short-term adventure-based experiences on levels of resilience, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 11:1, 35-50. This research examines the personal growth potential of outdoor adventure activities, demonstrating how overcoming challenges in nature can increase confidence and resilience.
- Anderson, Craig L et al. “Awe in nature heals: Evidence from military veterans, at-risk youth, and college students.” Emotion (Washington, D.C.) vol. 18,8 (2018): 1195-1202. This research explores the therapeutic potential of whitewater rafting for individuals with PTSD, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving well-being.
Sleep
- Aarts, M. P. J., Stapel, J. C., Schoutens, A. M. C., & van Hoof, J. (2018). Exploring the impact of natural light exposure on sleep of healthy older adults: A field study. Journal of Daylighting, 5(1), 14-20. This research investigates the impact of daylight exposure on sleep quality, supporting the notion that spending time outdoors can improve sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Relationships
- Holland, W. Hunter, et al. “A systematic review of the psychological, social, and educational outcomes associated with participation in wildland recreational activities.” Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 10.3 (2018). This article explores the social benefits of outdoor activities, showcasing their ability to build stronger relationships and teamwork skills.
Physical Health
- Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health YaleEnvironment360 (2020). This article investigates the health benefits of nature experiences, highlighting their potential to deepen self-awareness and foster a sense of connection to something larger than oneself.
I could add scores more to these lists. Reach out if you want more and I’ll send you some links.
The bottom line is that the science backs up completely that spending time adventuring in nature is good for us in so many ways. If you feel you need to justify your time outside, I hope this gives you ample justification.
Finding Meaning
Okay, that’s enough science for now – back to nature.
We all know we feel better when we’re out on the trail without deadlines, crowds, and traffic, but outdoor adventure is about more than just relaxing and “getting away from it all”. The mountains, rivers, and open skies become our silent mentors. They push us to the edge, test our mettle, and teach us resilience in ways a boardroom presentation never could. Remember that summit you thought would remain forever out of reach? The whitewater rapids that threatened to swallow you whole? Those struggles, those moments of sweat and doubt, are where Maslow’s (1970) self-transcendence happens. You emerge stronger, more confident, with a deeper understanding of your own potential. You may even realize that what really matters in life isn’t chasing stuff, but experiencing the beauty of everyday moments with those you love.
Strengthened Relationships
And then there’s the human element, the camaraderie forged in shared blisters and campfire stories. Wilson (1984) reminds us that adventure builds bridges between souls, strengthens existing bonds, and creates a sense of belonging that transcends the digital walls of our social worlds. You’re not just conquering peaks, you’re building an unshakeable bond, one shared sunrise at a time. My closest bonds are with people I’ve been in the stickiest situations with. Oftentimes literally putting your life in someone else’s hands and trusting them with yours leads to bonds thicker than blood and allows us to be more vulnerable and trusting in other relationships we engage in.
Transformation
Finally, consider the ripple effect. When you return from your adventures, you’re not the same person who left. You carry with you a spark, a newfound awareness of the interconnectedness of life. Kellert (2012) calls it a spiritual awakening, a reconnection to something larger than ourselves. This newfound perspective spills over into your relationships, your work, your community – you become a catalyst for positive change, a ripple in the pond of existence, radiating outward with the stories etched onto your soul by the wind and the waves.
So, my friends, I urge you: embrace the adventure. Hike that mountain, kayak that river, chase that horizon. It’s not selfish, it’s an investment in yourself, in your connections, in the world around you. It’s about finding meaning in the struggle, the beauty, the serendipity that awaits beyond the asphalt jungle. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, one muddy footprint, one starlit memory at a time.
Just remember that the purpose of all our adventures isn’t just for the sake of adventuring, but of becoming the best version of ourselves we can become and doing it with others we love and care about.
So until next time, find adventure, find purpose.
– Chris
