A friend once told me she and her husband regularly walk in the woods near their home. Checking for ticks when home she never finds ticks on herself but always on her husband. This is a long-standing thing.
This could be related to many things, but my friend has always said this was energetic. I agree.
Or is it trust? Trusting a deeper connection with nature?
Being in nature is like swimming in the ocean. We are stepping (swimming) into a realm more suited to other creatures than ourselves. Our instincts and performance are not as strong as the creatures that live there.
My experience with being in nature is similar to my friends and I rarely have any reason to question the presence of a negative outcome. I am more concerned about those who walk with me or our dogs. There was a time when I carried pepper spray for coyotes, now I don’t.
I don’t consider myself reckless but rather take simple measures to ensure safety at a basic level.
We all know fear. Understanding why we are fearful (or not) is important. I don’t see nature as something to fear but rather respect. Preparation is necessary, just like when taking a boat out to sea.
Introducing yourself to nature is important. Saying hello as you enter, sharing your intention, showing kindness, and asking to be guided safely.
Once on a walk with our dog, I heard coyotes in the distance. There was no quick way to retreat, so I knew a problem could be brewing. I ran through a mental checklist and quickly realized I had done everything possible to create a safe outcome. Initially, I hadn’t engaged fear as part of this checklist. As I paid attention to this allowing all unnecessary fear to pass, I felt much stronger. In this mindset, many more options became available and soon I was clear of danger, feeling into the forest with curiosity rather than fear.
Walking in nature, I always feel the natural elements there protecting me. Respect and honor create a perfect right of passage, clearing the way to fully nature’s best.
So how does this relate to ticks?
Are ticks any different than the much larger coyote howling in the distance? Not really.
It’s how we connect with the natural world. If we truly appreciate and care for nature, bringing with us a healthy dose of respect and curiosity, nature reads this and helps us along. Don’t kid yourself, the natural world has a sense of humor and loves to play tricks too!
If you are kind to it, nature will do its best to keep you safe. Otherwise, you won’t return to play another day.
These guidelines have helped me relax and more deeply enjoy nature.
So, should you still check for ticks (YES)?
But I find it helpful to know they aren’t trying to harm us. They are just doing what they do, moving through life like us. A good dose of respect is all we need to traverse the woods in tick season.
Certain scented soaps and essential oils can make prevention and cleanup easier. It’s also important to know that if you miss a tick and one stays on your body time is on your side. It takes many hours for a bite to show the signature bullseye pattern for Lyme, and if it does, treatment within a multiday window is usually 100 percent effective.
Always check pets before they enter the car or home, this will eliminate the chance of bringing forest friends home 🙂
Cover, Tuck, Shake it out, Take a look, Clean it up, Enjoy (CTSTCE)
TK
