Hello Great Outdoors blog community. Today is a perfect day for blogging. Right now, I’m outside on my porch on Neely Avenue. Me and my roommates thought it was a good idea to get some fresh air and hang out. And I thought it was a good idea to make a blog about my experience of sitting on the porch and see what happens when you go outside. This blog is going to be more of my stream of consciousness while I’m embracing nature.

My immediate sensations about stepping outside were feelings of de-stressing and unraveling. I’ve been confined in rooms all day and it feels great to step into the freedom of outdoors. All the thoughts and worries of getting homework done and studying for tests are floating away into the clouds. The air I’m breathing in is taking a burden off my shoulders. I’m starting to feel refreshed from the gentle breeze blowing our way. My thoughts are starting to drift to my surroundings in the present moment.

I can hear the cicadas buzzing in the distance, the crickets chirping on the side of the house, the birds singing from tree to tree, and the booming bass of Lil Pump as a car drives by. The sky is starting to turn to cotton candy as the sun starts to set over campus. Ball State is calming down as the day drags on. Today has been particularly humid, and I can start to feel the perspiration on my brow. The smell of grass clippings is drifting our way from the low hum of a lawn mower three houses down.

In a matter of ten minutes of being outside we’ve greeted the neighbors, seen someone on an electric skateboard barefoot, pet the fluffiest dog I have ever seen, and talked with some friends that walked past the house. All of this just outside the door to the house. A lot more is going on outdoors and it’s exciting to see what will happen or who you’ll meet. I love being outside because it really de-stresses me and reminds me that we’re all connected. If you’re ever getting anxious about something, it’s good to sit outside and relax for a few minutes. Just take everything in and try to focus on the present moment. This works for me every time. All of this is waiting for you just past your front door.