BRB: Climbing Trees, Finding Joy
The scent of ancient bark, the whisper of leaves, the feeling of solid, gnarled branches beneath my bare feet... For a moment today, I was transported back to childhood. I used to love to climb trees. I remember my mother's terror, her voice rising in a panicked plea: "Be careful!" as she spotted me, a tiny adventurer, perched precariously in the highest reaches of an oak or a maple.
Up there, nestled among the rustling canopy, the branches weren't just branches. This was my kitchen, that was my bedroom, here was the perfect nook for reading. I'd settle in, imagining I could truly stay—a secret escape. It was my backup plan, my quiet assurance that if things ever got too tough at home, I had options. I had my tree.
Even now, whenever I see a beautiful, sprawling tree—one with branches that beckon with their sturdy promise, offering height for a fresh perspective and a pocket of quiet away from the world—I think to myself: "I would like to climb that tree." But then, the adult voice would kick in: I'm too old. I could fall. I'll get dirty. What will people think?
But today... today was different. Today, I did climb that tree (and there was a helpful ladder, ha).
And oh, it was fun, liberating, and utterly exhilarating. As I pulled myself up, finding familiar holds and settling onto a sturdy limb, I felt a surge of pure, unadulterated joy. I felt like my "Pippi" self again – bold, unconventional, and perfectly content in my own skin. And yes, in the back of my mind, I heard my mother's voice, a soft echo of "Be careful!" reminding me of where I came from, even as I embraced where I was.
The Science of Play and Perspective
This impromptu adventure wasn't just a trip down memory lane; it was a powerful reminder of several key principles in positive psychology and neuroscience:
The Power of Play: Engaging in childlike activities, especially those that involve movement and a bit of a challenge, triggers the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This isn't just about fleeting happiness; it's about boosting mood, reducing stress, and fostering creativity.
Neuroplasticity in Action: Our brains are incredibly adaptable. When we step outside our routine and try new (or old, forgotten) things, we create new neural pathways. This keeps our minds flexible, resilient, and better equipped to handle life's challenges. Climbing that tree wasn't just physical; it was brain exercise, too!
A Fresh Perspective (Literally!): Gaining physical height often correlates with gaining mental clarity. From a new vantage point, problems often seem smaller, solutions clearer, and the bigger picture more apparent. It's a literal shift in perspective that can encourage a metaphorical one. Sometimes, a different view reminds us not to take it all so seriously.
Why This Matters
In our fast-paced, mostly serious adult lives, we sometimes forget the profound wisdom of childhood: the importance of play, the courage to explore, and the simple joy of a fresh perspective. As someone who studies well-being, I can tell you that these aren't just whims; they're vital components of a healthy, fulfilling life.
So, I invite you to consider: What's your "tree"? What's that small, perhaps slightly unconventional, thing you used to love doing that you've told yourself you're too old or too busy for? It might not be climbing an actual tree, but perhaps it's dancing in your living room, sketching in a notebook, or simply gazing at the clouds.
It's time to find your inner Pippi. It's time to give yourself permission to be a little messy, a little adventurous, and to remember the profound joy that comes from simply letting go and having fun. Because sometimes, the best lessons are learned not in a classroom or a clinic, but high up in the branches, with the sun on your face and the world at your feet.
What joy might be waiting for you just a few branches up? I'd love to hear about the "tree" you're ready to climb.
