Welcome back to our 8 Weeks of Connection series!
For the 8 weeks leading up to the new year, PPR is highlighting different team members as they share how they’re building connections into their holiday season!
We’re over halfway through our series (can you believe it?!).
This week, Senior Content Writer Hannah Clawson connects with nature. Here’s Hannah!
As a self-proclaimed “nature girlie,” I love exploring the woods, identifying trees, growing house plants, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors—most of the time. But, when winter rolls around, my relationship with nature takes a bit of a nosedive.
Cold winds and bare trees aren’t as appealing to me as the warm sun of summer, dazzling leaves of fall, and new blooms of spring.
This year, I wanted to use the 8 Weeks of Connection to see the beauty in winter (while also reconnecting with good friends and sharing a little greenery with my fellow PPR teammates).
Last weekend, my best friend/former roommate, Katie, and I visited one of our favorite (and most challenging) trails—the Maryland Heights trail in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Katie and I took regular hikes around Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia to stay active and help reduce stress. The Maryland Heights trail became our go-to when we needed a long walk, good conversation, and awe-inspiring views, which made it the perfect choice for jumping back in!
Within the first 100 feet on the trail, a sneaky little bee somehow made its way into my sleeve. It didn’t sting me, but it certainly made me question whether the winter outdoors and I could really find common ground. Nevertheless, I continued on my mission of connection despite nature’s perceived objections.
The rest of the trail was smooth sailing (comparatively) but more physically challenging than we remembered—and we remembered it being pretty difficult. We pushed through, taking in the beauty of the tree-lined path and feeling grateful for every large boulder we found along the way to rest and drink some water.
We made it to the overlook after about an hour and a half. The view was well worth the bugs and shaky legs. As the sun sparkled on the flowing Potomac River, Katie and I reminisced about our past hikes, caught up on life, and enjoyed the refreshing breeze after working up a sweat.
Taking a moment to connect with nature, pause in its presence, and embrace the season was a centering experience. Sitting with the changing trees, their leaves mostly gone as they settled into winter dormancy, was a humbling reminder that there’s no shame in rest. In fact, sometimes, we need it to grow and welcome new evolutions of ourselves.
Spending time in nature or among greenery—no matter the season—helps me reduce stress and often provides much-needed perspective amid life’s chaos. I wanted to bring that energy to the PPR office and made cuttings from one of my favorite houseplants to share with the team—a reminder of the beauty and growth possible in all seasons.
Are you a fellow friend of the trees? How do you make a point to connect with nature? Send a message and let us know.
Reimagining Places With You,
Hannah and the PPR Strategies Team
