Edgar makes me go outside on a regular basis.

While it might not be warm and sunny where you live, it is important to get outside and get in touch with reality. We all benefit by stopping and smelling the roses, or in this case, taking a walk in the snow. This simple act enables us to slow down, breathe and observe the beauty in the natural world.

Many of us have lost our connection with nature. When we are surrounded by our natural environment, our energy shifts. We forget sometimes that we are animals; we are not apart from nature, we are very much a part of nature! Whether its storming, hotter than hell or dead cold outside, get outside! Just for a short walk. Or to stand and look at the sky or the moon.

As of two weeks ago, I have a new personal trainer. His name is Edgar. He forces me to go outside in all sorts of weather whether I like it or not. The penalty for not going outside on a regular basis is cleaning up dog poop.

Edgar was a city dog, rescued from a hoarding situation. Its safe to say that ol’ Edgar didn’t get outside to pee or poo on a regular basis. The little guy is still quite spooked by the great outdoors: my back yard. Now that we have 2 feet of snow outside, I had to shovel a pathway for him to walk around the backyard. The snow is over his head in most parts.

Despite the fact that it’s cold and snowy, I am reaping the benefits of being outside. This form of non-caloric nourishment is good for body and spirit. I highly recommend it.