The miracles of modern humanity come with a cost. We have access to countless improvements in today’s world in relation to generations from only a century ago. However, we developed new ways to introduce stress into our lives as we improved quality of life. The stress of modernity often stems from a social norm we impose on ourselves. Many wise individuals devote tremendous efforts to help us manage this form of stress. My intent isn’t to delve into the topic deeply, but rather to point out a fun way I learned to mitigate stress in my own life.
Growing up, I loved to fish. With that said, I still love to fish. On occasion during our fishing trips as a boy, I’d see someone standing in a river rhythmically casting a line to unseen fish hidden below. My curiosity led me to ask my grandfather about this type of fishing. He explained in detail what fly fishing was, and the tools used to fish in this manner. Many years later my curiosity remained, and an opportunity presented itself to learn the skill.
The Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States offer tremendous natural resources for citizens to enjoy. Folks can hike, camp, hunt, and fish to their hearts’ content. We live near these beautiful mountains, and travel there often to enjoy the outdoors. My wife knew about my desire to learn how to fly fish and purchased a lesson for my birthday several years ago. The package included a casting lesson followed by a guided fishing trip on one of the local Appalachian rivers.
The day was bright, windy, and chilly. Aside from the wind, I couldn’t have asked for a better fall day to get started. The Brookings Anglers guide was seasoned, and undoubtedly would forget more about fly fishing than I’d likely ever learn. He taught me to cast, tie knots, and the basics of reading water. After lunch we headed to the river to try our hand at casting to trout rather than a grassy field.
Trout don’t live in ugly places. The creeks, streams, and rivers where these fish live provide unmatched scenery for those who love the outdoors. Standing in a river provides a unique perspective you cannot fully appreciate unless you can do so yourself. This river was no different. Wading a river is a bit odd at first, but you get used to the flow of water rather quickly. I followed the guide to a predetermined spot and listened as he demonstrated what to do next. He handed me the fly rod and stood back as I made my first cast. Within minutes I’d caught a trout and was hooked on fly fishing. The afternoon is one I’ll never forget. We caught several trout, enjoyed conversation, and reveled in the beauty of the mountains.
The fishing ended as the sun set. I parted ways with the guide after a wonderful day. On the way home I noticed an unanticipated benefit from our day. We’d spent over eight hours practicing and fishing, yet I felt more refreshed than I had when the day began. I couldn’t believe how clear and relaxed my mind felt. The relief from life’s daily stressors was immense. I was curious to understand why I felt this way. Thankfully, I planned to fly fish as often as possible which provided many opportunities to investigate this curious benefit in depth.
The stress relief I felt after the first day of fly fishing returned after each subsequent outing. I felt relief even on days when I tangled my fly in stream side trees, missed a big trout, or didn’t catch any trout at all. After several years of fly fishing, I learned what elements contribute to the relief I feel after each trip.
The first element is the rhythmic movement and light concentration required for each cast and drift. The best way I can describe the impact on my mind throughout the process is that it requires just enough mental bandwidth to quiet other thoughts in my mind without draining energy. The second element is the sound of water flowing over the rocks. This sound serves as nature’s “white noise” and calms the mind in ways humanity can’t. The final element is the beauty of being outdoors, surrounded by nature.
Fresh air, sunlight, the feeling of the water flowing around your legs, and beautiful views demand the mind’s attention in ways unique to nature. These combined elements force an individual into the present moment. The result is a form of active meditation. The positive benefits I receive from this form of mediation stays with me for days afterwards.
I never expected a simple conversation with my grandfather as a boy would lead to restorative meditation as an adult. I’m thankful the curiosity I held as a child stayed with me until I was able to action on it as an adult. My main suggestion is to act on curious tendencies sooner than later, but I can’t help but recommend picking up a fly rod as well. I have no doubt you will at least enjoy the view from the river, and for a moment you’ll forget modernity’s worries.