Finding Balance Down Under

A primary reason I came to Australia was for the abundant and unique native plants and animals… I thrive in my ecology classes at UNSW – in a classroom. I am hooked on my research project at the Australian Museum – in an office. I am hopeful about the graduate funding application I have been working on – in my room. 

… I have been itching to get outside… 

But I’ve also been intimidated by taking the time away from my indoors work to do the long trails I set my sights on when I arrived and researched the area. 

The Wandering Society hike last Sunday was good to spark my motivation to finally go out on my own. After a rewarding week of working on a computer, I needed the solitude of nature. 

Hiking alone, I am never lonely, surrounded by smiling flowers, gentle streams, and garrulous birds. 

I reminded myself that my love of the outdoors is not about the miles I hike (or kilometers for me, now!). The composure I feel in nature is about being rather than doing. 

Of course, the unapologetic scientist I am, after my serene, thoughtful afternoon, I took straight to my computer again. Not to work on my application, but to identify the wonderful wildflowers I spent my afternoon in the company of. 

Looking forward, I know I will be glad to take breaks from doing classwork, doing research, and doing applications to be.