I look to wilderness areas mainly for recreation, but I have discovered other values while there. The following quote expresses well the therapeutic value of wilderness.
Wilderness areas facilitate therapeutic healing
because they are void of so many of the factors that require an outward focus. Think about driving an automobile or grocery shopping. In many ways, these amount to sensory overload. Although we acclimate to these tasks, we are nonetheless overloaded, for the most part, to the point of having only outwardly-directed thoughts. In wilderness, the lack of these types of outward pressures and the forced increase in self-dependency and isolation provide the setting for inward self-reflection.
Solitude is a spiritual discipline that helps us focus on the inner life. Often, solitude is found in wilderness areas, though it can be experienced elsewhere. This summer I experienced a great time of solitude at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. I am still reveling in self-discoveries from that experience.
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