Which Way: Thoughts on a Nature Trail

Published on by J. Kelland Perry

When you get the chance to enjoy a walk outside, which way* do you go? Do you prefer a stroll through the streets of your community or neighbourhood? Or would you rather a natural, more secluded setting?

If possible, I will always choose a walk in nature. Luckily, there are several trails, as well as plenty of beaches, in my area. I’m an introvert through and through, so my preference makes sense. An extrovert would probably choose a more peopled path so they could enjoy a few chats along the way. And there’s nothing wrong with that either.

Nature walks, where I can take the time to reflect and recharge, are like meditation for me. I don’t need a lot of external (people-y) stimulation to be happy. In fact, too much can feel overwhelming.

With all that is happening in our external world over the last couple of years—the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the political and racial unrest in our own countries—I believe I’ve retreated into introversion even more, as a way to preserve and care for my mental health.

I realize not everyone can choose to do so, depending on their jobs, etc., but if you are an introvert, don’t ever feel guilty for needing and allowing time for yourself. It’s a part of who you are.

“I’m an introvert… I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

“Asking an introvert to open up is as rude as asking an extrovert to shut up.” ~ Unknown

Where do you like to take your walks?

Which way are you leaning on the
Introversion/Extroversion scale?

Do tell!

*Photos taken on May 8, 2022 @ Business Pond Walking Trail, Valleyfield, NL

*Which Way Photo Challenge – Alive and Trekking

43 thoughts on “Which Way: Thoughts on a Nature Trail”

    1. Hi, fellow introvert, and thanks for commenting. So sorry for the late reply! I hear you loud and clear, although I will add that if I’m not around folks for too long I get squirrelly, and then trying to catch up, I talk too much and too fast! 😂

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  2. Beautiful posts and pictures! I’m definitely an introvert. I actually just realized 2 weeks ago how bad my anxiety is since being stuck home during Covid. I had to start going back into the office after 2 and a half years, and started getting physical anxiety symptoms, like feeling the floor dropping out from under me while standing in place. It really made me miss my alone time, that I had gotten so fond of and attached to! I never had that feeling in my chair at home!

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    1. My goodness, that sounds awful. But I understand where you’re coming from. The pandemic has increased levels of anxiety in many people, I’m sure.
      Sorry for the late response, but I’ve been away from my blog lately. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

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  3. Walking in Nature allows me to escape from the stresses and strains of 21st century urban life. Visiting historic and cultural sites in towns and cities can be fascinating, but only Walking in Nature truly revives my spirits, enabling me to forget – albeit only briefly – the mess our world is in.

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  5. Jennifer, I always love nature walks …ones within a city or too many people are not relaxing although possibly stimulating and exciting in another way. It is lovely to walk with a friend or two, however! The photos of your local area are beautiful and remind me very much of Sweden, some are eerily similar to the landscape when we are out there. Oh, the first photo just has me wanting to cross the wooden bridge and set out on the long walk! As for your question, I feel I fall in between the two, not too happy to be only introverted yet not an ebullient extrovert. Happy Trails, my friend! x

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    1. Hello, Annika! You mentioned before how much my photos reminded you of Sweden. That’s fascinating to me and only makes me want to visit your home country more. I watched a movie recently set in Scotland and it made me feel the same familiarity!
      Many of my walks include a companion, most often my husband. And of course walks around a colourful city or town can be quite stimulating. As for introversion/extroversion, even being the way I am I enjoy people too and miss them if it’s too long a stretch between visits. I can’t see how anyone can be completely happy and completely introverted at the same time, unless you’re a hermit! ha ha
      Have a lovely week, my friend. xo

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      1. Funny you should mention hermits as there is a documentary about a Scottish man who has lived forty years in solitude and shunned conventional life and lived without electricity or running water in a hand-made log cabin on the banks of a remote loch in the Scottish Highlands. Incredible to see how he lives and he seems contented … yet one can’t help but wonder about what he has lost out on.

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  6. I also prefer to walk in nature. I find that when I walk on sidewalks through neighborhoods or cities, I feel much more tired much faster. When I walk in the woods, it’s hardly exercise. It’s just fun!

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  8. Hi Jennifer – I was just talking with my family about which type of walk is better. I prefer the nature walks, but I don’t mind the excitement of a more populated walk. I am probably in the middle, between introvert and extrovert and I understand both worlds. Respect and understanding of both types is important, especially of the introvert (IMO).

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  9. If only my walks around here looked like these photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just gorgeous!!!! Yes, I like to avoid people on walks, too. I just want to be in “that space,” you know?

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  12. I feel I have become almost reclusive in the past two years. I enjoy a good chat with people but I like it short and not too often. At my new home I have a wonderful nature walk past a stream that is very soothing. If I’m lucky I can meet up with geese, foxes and deer.

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  13. Hi. There’s an enormous and beautiful wooded section of Philadelphia that my wife and I took a pretty long walk in a few weeks ago. A creek runs through it. Many of the trees are gigantic. It’s a good place to mellow-out in.

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  14. I am an introvert who has never met a stranger! But do not place me in a small intimate setting so ‘we can just talk.’ That would be my ultimate nightmare. I love nature walks and the beach after the sun has gone down and most the people have gone home. There is just something about being out there by yourself. You have some very pretty views, Jennifer.

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    1. Lois, that’s so interesting. I prefer talking to one or two people rather than a roomful, and I don’t mean small talk. I’d rather discuss something meaningful. I bet your beach walks are a lot warmer than mine! I don’t mind walks alone either. xx

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  15. I am an extravert!!! (Can’t you tell by the amount of exclamation marks in my comments.) But I would chose the nature path with you. My husband, son and my two brothers are introverts. And my best friends are introverts. Their presence in my life has added joy and hope, especially during the past two years, which has been extremely difficult for extraverts. When I was lamenting the loss of travel, my dear introvert husband said to me. “If you stand still, the world will come to you.” And it has – I have walked with you in nature and that has given sunshine to my day. Hugs!

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    1. Hello, extrovert! 😊 Glad to be of service! My husband is mostly introverted but not quite as much as me. I think my children are a mix. I do miss travel though. Hopefully we’ll get to take a trip someday soon and you will too. xx

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  16. Nature has a way of calming us down. I take my dogs out for a walk three times a day and try to find a park or trail. I don’t mind meeting people though, especially people with their dogs. We always compare notes.

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Talk to me.