Being out in nature is a rejuvenating weekend adventure. Experiencing our natural surroundings is pertinent as we have forgotten how to disconnect from the world. Sometimes instead of burying working ourselves with work, we just need to unplug.

Exploring as much of South Dakota as possible during these warm months has been a goal of mine. Visiting Sioux Falls one weekend, I came across Newton Hills State Park. Even though I did not have time to stop by, I knew this was a place I was going to explore.

The 35-minute drive was a nice release from everything. I knew I was getting close as the trees curved around the road, like an entryway into another world. To be able to step away and disconnect from technology for a few hours was refreshing. Hiking through the wilderness, hearing the insects, and immersing myself in a new experience, let me just be. My mind became focused on the beauty of nature and how we have lost touch with our surroundings.

When we are able to have these moments of clarity and reflection, we realize how much technology and the media saturates our minds. Our unlimited access to information, every minute of every day, distracts us from reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us. There was a time where we respected our environment. There was a time where we lived off of the land. There was a time where we were aware of our impact.

Will we get back to this place of awareness and respect for our environment, before it is too late?