Therapeutic for Mind, Body and Soul

Inspired by the outstanding journal entries of the Good Shepherd High School Students that went out to South Dakota, here are a few thoughts about the 12 of us that went up to the Boundary Water in Northern Minnesota.

First a bit of about the setting:   The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is 1.1 million acres, 1100 lakes, 2000 primitive campsites north of Lake Superior in Minnesota.  Each year over 150,000 people obtain the required permit from the US Forest Service to canoe and camp in this large expanse of wilderness.   Rick Thomas and Derek McCarty, who led the planning for our group of 12, arranged for us to use Seagull Outfitters which is located in the NE corner of the BWCA at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Each of the 12 members of our group brought different life experiences, different canoeing experiences, different camping experiences and different joys and burdens.   After 8 to 9 hours together in the car ride heading north without a radio in the background and just an opportunity to talk and listen those differences became more apparent and appreciated.

While I could share a chronology of the significant events during our time together, I will instead share some personal thoughts regarding the “Therapeutic Value for Mind, Body and Soul”.

Therapeutic for Mind

It had been 42 years since I had last seen the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation in the Boundary Waters!  The ability to literally unplug from 24/7 news regarding wars, indictments, politics, my parents health issues and much more was a welcome respite.   The opportunity to really slow down was therapeutic.   Also a renewed appreciation for the things we take for granted : fresh clean water, soft mattresses, bathrooms, showers each day, comfortable chairs and recognition that millions (billions?) of people do not normally enjoys such comforts…..

Therapeutic for Body

Canoeing for multiple hours over miles of open water used muscles that normally do not get that type of exercise.   In addition, to get from one lake to the next, we would have to portage/carry our 45 lb canoes, 50 lb Duluth packs  (with all of clothes, sleeping bags, cookware, food and much more) over rocky but well- worn and slippery paths.   These tests for the body were also a great opportunity to help each other, to lean on each other and further deepen the relationships within our group.

Therapeutic for Soul

The awesome beauty of God’s creation and the opportunity to further bond with fellow siblings in Christ provided a renewing of the soul. Eric Holmer, had the foresight to bring along a devotional book titled: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Day by Day”.  Each devotion focused on slowing down.  They started and finished with two minutes of silence and stillness.   The devotion also contained a bible passage, a reading, (i.e. Are we like Martha: Doing Life? or are we like Mary, Being with Jesus?).   These devotional times were indeed therapeutic for the soul and I have continued to use the devotional book at home.

Closing

I am thankful that Good Shepherd provided this Men’s Ministry opportunity to get to the BWCA.  Given the great value this retreat provided me, I would encourage others to consider the BWCA when they are looking for a therapeutic experience for their mind, body and soul.