A Friluftsliv Experiment

Around this time last year I went down a rabbit hole into what’s known as friluftsliv* and swiftly decided to dedicate 2024 to its enjoyment.

Literally translated as “free-air-life”, friluftsliv is the Nordic philosophy that encourages us to get outside with curiosity and awe— to regularly embrace connecting with the natural world in every season. It’s about fostering physical and spiritual wellbeing through a never-ending love affair with mother nature, knowing too we tend to protect what we love. 

In some ways practicing friluftsliv is not a big stretch for me. I love spending time outdoors. I like wandering in the woods and through arroyos, listening in the midst of snow, hammock resting, making yards appealing to birds, meditating under trees, hosting pancake picnics… 

 Last December though I wanted a bigger stretch. As I continued my friluftsliv studies I read about someone who sleeps outdoors throughout the year. I was inspired— if some guy in Norway could camp once a week year-round I could camp once a month living in the Pacific Northwest. And so I did.

I camped in city backyards, on a teeny river island with deer, along the Oregon coast, in the Columbia River Gorge, in the mountains and in wine country. One month there was a redo because my first attempt involved two curious raccoons (I couldn’t deal and bailed within an hour). I was usually in a tent, two months though I cowboy-camped under blankets of stars in the high desert of New Mexico. Sometimes I camped on my own, sometimes with others. Turns out yard camping unnerves me more than sleeping off grid. I mostly lucked out weather-wise, but not every month (winter wind storms on the coast are no joke). 

I did not sleep well each time but I can honestly say I felt good each morning, something about breathing fresh air all night. The main thing I noticed began taking hold a few months in— a vitality gradually returned to my body that I hadn’t felt in years, and didn’t realize had been missing. For that I am extremely grateful.

Life is filled with many feels, joys, heartbreaks and wonders living side by side. Embracing friluftsliv more intentionally this year provided me motivation and medicine to show up for it all. And it’s energized my curiosity for 2025.

I understand a year-round camping experiment isn’t for everyone. As we wind down 2024 though I invite you to join me in a couple of reflections inspired by the spirit of friluftsliv:

Given life can be uncertain and beyond our control, how might you cultivate evergreen vitality?

What could bring inspired stretch, connection and dimension to your 2025?

In appreciation,

Ashley

*CURIOUS ABOUT FRILUFTSLIV?

You might check out The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day by Linda Åkeson Mcgurk. It offers a nice primer along with basic skills to help make spending more time outdoors more enjoyable.

Interested in nature-based offerings? Visit my classes page for nature-based Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation) and an October 2025 nature meditation retreat in New Mexico. I also offer nature meditation privates and weave nature practice into my coaching packages.

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