Why diversity and belonging in outdoor recreation?
It started with a waterfall.
During the Summer of 2022, I suffered from crippling anxiety,
I couldn’t sleep, but I hated waking up. I’d bawl before work meetings or cancel them altogether in fear of crying or otherwise acting “unprofessional.” I was so wound up that I often couldn’t perform one of my favorite Love Language acts — cooking dinner for my family.
And then there were the ruminations. The non-stop ruminations that would start in my head and wreak havoc through my body.
This mind-body tornado lasted for months. I pumped up my anxiety medication and spoke with a mental health professional — but saw no improvement.
That was until I went with my family to Buttermilk Falls, a state park in Ithaca, New York.
While on one of the trails, I was so focused on the roar of the waterfalls, the glimmer of the wet rocks, and the pumping of my heart that nearly all my ruminations vanished. When the thoughts happened to surface, they were “just thoughts,” with no physical aftereffects.
This experience in Ithaca was the first step of my healing-though-hiking journey. I continued my medication and talk therapy, but the hiking helped me finally get out of my head.
A few months into my newfound love for hiking, I realized I wanted to spread the word about how healing nature can be. And I knew I also wanted to be a change agent to make sure that this “nature cure” was available for everyone, regardless of:
race
class
religion
age
body type
gender or gender expression
sexual or romantic orientation
physical or cognitive ability
I want DEIB Outdoors to amplify the voices and stories of those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces but are showing up outdoors despite it.
I chose the lesser-known acronym DEIB (v. DEI) for this site to incorporate the concept of belonging in outdoor recreation. An outdoor sport might appear diverse, equitable, and inclusive in the eyes of those who’ve historically held court. But do these diverse populations feel like they belong in that outdoor sport? That answer is what I want to shine a light on.
I recognize that my own experiences and perspectives are limited by my identity. During many of my interviews on this platform, I acknowledge that I am merely a guest learning about life experiences different from my own. I am committed to constantly learning and growing in my understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Thank you for learning more!
Lisa
