Can’t hike? You can still experience nature without walking far

My ideal experience of nature is what I consider wilderness: areas with no signs of human influence. No busy roads, no airplane noises, no (or few) people. But that’s not always possible, especially when dealing with chronic pain.

In one of the last snows of the season, I wasn’t able to hike due to knee pain, but instead had a great time enjoying the beauty and peace of snowfall never more than 10 steps from my car.

I like all seasons, but I love winter for the snow. Dull brown landscapes are transformed into a magical frosty playground. I was determined to go explore every time there was snow in the forecast, as the enchantment is now short-lived in my area. But after a knee pain flare-up during the holidays, I couldn’t hike more than a quarter mile or so without discomfort.

In prior years I might have moped at my bad luck, but this time I decided that it’s enough to see it even if it’s just from my car window. I drove to my local park and instead of taking my usual route, chose a different road I’d never driven that winds up the hillside.

Despite being in a familiar place, I was rewarded with unique views. It was just me, my SUV, and the stillness. Up on the hill I found a section of rhododendrons with buds just waiting for spring. I watched and listened to the birds, spotting a downy woodpecker and hearing some crows cawing.

I stood next to my car on the paved road, but mentally was fully immersed in the landscape on either side. Not walking forced me to really be in the present moment and be mindful of what is around me. It allowed me to see things I wouldn’t normally notice.

And the time spent simply being in the woods reminded me of why I go hike in the first place. I could lose myself the wildness that I saw from the road; I didn’t have to hike 10 miles to feel the aliveness and freedom that nature provides.

I wasted a lot of time in prior years feeling sorry for myself: I couldn’t run, hike, or backpack like I wanted to or like other young people my age. Time spent sulking over what was wrong with me would have been much better spent enjoying what I can still see, touch, hear, and visit, even without walking. I made the mistake of wishing for things to be different, instead of accepting them as are and choosing to make the best of it.

Spring is right around the corner – despite the recent snow squalls – but I’m really happy I was able to be present for the winter wonderland while it was here. What is your favorite way to get out there and enjoy nature? Let me know in the comments!