[Joshua Maze]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Lyria! I am lucky to have a child who is already interested in being outdoors. She is certainly one of my inspirations for choosing to pursue EBI.

In reading your description of the crazy people of the city, I am reminded of the semester my wife spent in Washington DC. Whenever I would go to visit her, I too was met with the feeling that the city has a way of changing you, and not for the better. The city was loud and busy. You need the calm and grounding effects of being in nature. I am also reminded of the opposite effect. Whenever I am out hiking, I’ll get the friendly wave, or head nod from other hikers. Nature facilitated that human connection, one that wasn’t found in the city.

As it compares to your hectic professional life, I wonder if you are able to keep any plants in your office, or have the opportunity to listen to any nature soundtracks while working, to help maintain that connection?

[Joshua Maze]

I would first like to introduce myself, since I was not on the video chat. My name is Joshua and I live in Indianapolis, IN. I was inspired to join EBI because I was missing something in my life and needed to find an outlet that made me feel whole again. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work in 2010, with the assumptions and aspirations that I would be “helping” people. However, since graduation, I have not become licensed, and have not held a job that required my degree. Fast forward to today, I am a pharmacy technician and I feel like I have betrayed my calling. I was online, searching for something to get me back to my purpose. As if by fate, an ad for EBI came up on Facebook. After reading what EBI has to offer, I knew I would find a home here. I am pursuing the full NCC certification. My goal with certification is to serve people struggling with grief and depression.

Since joining EBI, I have reaffirmed by commitment to go outside and rediscover all that nature has to offer. In considering this week’s writing, I am reminded of my daughter, who will be 2 in May. She will frequently stand, looking out the door, and say “Daddy, outside?” and grab her jacket. I see an instant change in her when I tell her “OK, lets get shoes”. She loves just being outside. And for her, it doesn’t have to be something complicated or a long trip. Just being able to be in the fresh air, feel the sun, and hear the birds is enough for her. I look forward to being able to plan long hikes with her, but for now, she is happy to just walk around the apartment complex. My point in sharing her story is this: Nature Connection is everywhere and available in every moment. You don’t have to travel far or plan an excursion into the backcountry to experience the healing benefits of nature.

My biggest challenge to maintaining the connection has been myself, to be quite honest. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. Sometimes what I need the most –a walk outside in nature, feels like too much work. With that being said, I can report that since finding and committing to EBI, and working with one of the coaches, I am doing better.

[Joshua Maze]

Lauren: it sounds like you and I were sort of in the same boat, taking jobs that provide, but don’t fulfill. Like you, I found EBI at just the right time in my life. It has been exciting discovering all of the new opportunities my life could take now that I have found a new path.

Carrie: Wild Rejuvenation sounds really interesting! Good luck with the development of the business. Where in Indiana are you originally from?

In reading everyone’s responses on here, I think it is really telling how we have come from different professions, different states, different life experiences, and are of different ages, yet we have all felt the pull of nature calling us to let go and be outside. It is truly what connects us all.