I overheard Cait explaining to someone recently that what I do for fun is to spend time outside, especially on windy days. I intuitively understand the benefits of being out in nature—I don’t need scientific proof.
But if you do, there is actually a word for this: uitwaaien. “It’s basically the activity of spending time in the wind, usually by going for a walk or a bike ride. Today, the practice is so common that it’s known as ‘uitwaaien.’ It ‘literally translates to outblowing,’ explains Caitlin Meyer, a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam’s Department of Dutch Linguistics.
In a Nautilus blog post, Alice Fleerackers shares The Simple Dutch Cure for Stress. Essentially, you just have to get outside in the fresh air and wind. As Meyer explains: “Uitwaaien is something you do to clear your mind and feel refreshed—out with the bad air, in with the good.” Or, as my dad used to say to us kids, “Get outside and blow the stink off.”
For those of us with dogs, this is just part of our existence. But if you find you’re allergic to the outdoors, just start with cracking a window and see where that takes you.
Hello, Karen…
Just thought I’d drop a note and see if you, by chance, remember me: “Cindy from Kentucky.” I wrote about my dog Annie and how one time she saved my toddler daughter from falling down the last three steps of the staircase…one of those moments where you take your eye off your little one and she gets herself up the stairs! Annie got in front and blocked her with her body, then barked for me to come. I was stunned at Annie’s sweet loyalty. Anyway…it’s been a long time and many twists and turns along the way. No more dogs for me…instead, I’ve become the cat lady with five indoor sweeties. In scrolling through your blog I can see you are still thriving in Upstate New York. Funny how time and priorities take us away from certain folks we used to follow. I still remember the effect your book, Dogs of Dreamtime, had on me. It was after reading it, what, fifteen years ago (?), that I first reached out to you to describe my overwhelming tears, as well as the deep resonance I felt with your life. Wishing you the deep comfort of winter and a haven of family, dogs, and all that is close and dear to your heart.
Hello Cindy! How the years fly by. I do remember your Annie. I think about when the last of my crew is gone what I’ll do. Sometimes I think I’ll turn into a cat lady too. But then I don’t know–I’ve had dogs since I was 5 yrs old. There are days when I think the only thing holding me together is dog hair! And I wonder if, without that, would I evaporate into thin air? lol
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking in. Wishing you wonderful holidays!