As the seasons change and we prepare for the last few camping trips of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the true benefits of taking a break from modern life. It’s so easy to get caught up in the demands of our daily routines—tasks and to-dos that don't necessarily add value to our lives. Camping, however, offers a much-needed escape. It’s a chance to relax, disconnect from the constant buzz of modern life, and reconnect with nature and what truly matters.
How much you disconnect is entirely up to you. Some people bring along all the comforts of home, transforming their campsite into a cozy retreat, while others go as primitive as possible, carrying only the bare essentials. My family falls somewhere in between—we strike a balance between minimalism and bringing along a few comforts of home. We use camping as a launchpad for adventure—exploring trails, paddling across serene lakes, wandering along rugged coastlines, and discovering hidden lighthouses. It’s a way to immerse ourselves in nature, break away from the ordinary, and embrace the primal instincts that lie dormant within us.
Waking up with the birds to the first light of dawn is a powerful reminder of the natural rhythm we often forget in our everyday lives. There's something incredibly grounding about starting your day with the soft glow of morning light filtering through the trees, rather than the jarring sound of an alarm clock. Every morning on a camping trip feels like a fresh start—a chance to align with the natural world around us.
Camping is also an opportunity to incorporate many of the primal practices that I encourage everyone to adopt into their modern lives. From sun exposure and grounding to moving frequently at a slow pace and exploring the trails, these experiences aren’t just enjoyable—they’re vital for our well-being. Trail running, for example, is one of my favorite ways to connect with the landscape. It’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a meditative practice. There’s a unique joy in feeling the earth beneath your feet, hearing the crunch of leaves, and letting your mind wander freely as you navigate the natural terrain.
There’s also the communal aspect of camping that’s so appealing. It’s about more than just surviving in the wild—it’s about thriving and connecting with others who share a similar appreciation for nature. There’s an unspoken camaraderie among campers—a shared nod on the trail, a friendly chat around the campfire, or even a collective effort to fend off a crafty raccoon eyeing your cooler. It’s as if we’re all in on a little secret that those who can’t go without a hairdryer or Netflix might never understand.
The experiences we share around a campfire are irreplaceable. The warmth of the flames, the mesmerizing dance of firelight, and the shared stories create a bond that is hard to replicate in the artificial environments we’ve built around us. And while some people, especially here in Wisconsin, might use camping as an excuse to sit around the fire with a drink in hand—an improvement over a sports bar, perhaps—there’s a deeper connection to be found. It’s about embracing our historical roots and feeling that something has been missing in modern life—a nagging feeling that only seems to be satisfied while camping.
The more time I spend in the woods, the less I miss the so-called comforts of home. I often wonder: if I stayed out there longer, would I ever want to come back? How much healthier and happier would we all be if we regularly removed ourselves from the artificial environments that disconnect us from the natural world? We've cocooned ourselves in modern conveniences, but at what cost? Physically, mentally, and spiritually, we are as much a part of the earth and the circle of life as any other creature. Our growing distance from nature is evident in the rising rates of metabolic disease, autoimmune conditions, and mental health struggles.
This is why incorporating primal strategies into our daily lives is so important. It’s not just about physical health—it’s about remembering who we are, where we come from, and what it means to truly live. For me, camping is my way to disconnect and get back to my primal roots. It’s a practice that I love and look forward to every year. But I understand that it’s not for everyone. There are many ways to reconnect with our primal selves, and what works for one person might not work for another. Find what resonates with you, and lean into it.