Where Buffalo Roam – Pioneering Weight Loss - Part 2

Where Buffalo Roam – Pioneering Weight Loss - Part 2

As we approached the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, our anticipation grew as we viewed a 15-minute video presentation that explained the life of the tall-grass prairie, its slow demise as each generation tamed the land and the regeneration efforts that began with the approval of Congress in September of 1990. After wandering through hands-on exhibits, meandering through a feature that allows you to experience life through the eyes of a gopher in an underground environment and viewing the artifacts of previous generations, we returned to our car to take the auto tour of the preserve. READ MORE...

Leaving the parking lot, I inserted the audio CD that began to tell the history of the refuge, the life of earlier generations and what buildings, processes and animals can be found on the current reserve. Driving moderately and trying to match the words from the narrator to where I was on the tour was a feat I found somewhat difficult. Upon arriving at the gate of the fenced acreage that allowed the buffalo and the elk to roam free, yet protected, I realized I was ahead of the narrator and slowed significantly.

As we crossed the metal poles that covered a pit that comprised the entrance to the reserve, the beauty of the acres of natural wildlife that unfolded before us was breathtaking. Over the second hill, we slowed to a stop when our anticipation was rewarded with a herd of buffalo stretched to the right, left and directly before us on the single gravel road that stretched through the reserve.

The CD and car engine were turned off in exchange for the sounds of birds and insects. You could hear the sounds of tearing grass and the chewing of the grazing buffalo. We sat in awe of their majesty and there was a reverence that surrounded us in those magical moments.

Twenty minutes later, the herd was disturbed when a car came through from the opposite direction. As they moved from the road and continued their grazing, we continued our trip through the tall-grass prairie until we arrived back at the center.

So, again what does any of this have to do with weight loss?

There is a strength, calmness and purpose of being that can be found in nature. The day-to-day cares and the stress of deadlines was exchanged for some “me” time where I could partake in the wonder of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat, see the good in people to develop and care for such a priceless piece of our history, and to fill my soul in a way that only nature and museums have been able to do.

It provided me with trails to go walking, quenched my thirst for knowledge and awoke my pioneering spirit. It let me see how each life affects nature and that generation after generation there is a legacy that is paid forward. It reminded me I am valuable, that what I do while I am alive is important and that life is fleeting. It reminded me that I must take care of my health and my life for the short time we are here.

That day, September 4th, was my brother’s birthday. It was the first time my mother found happiness on that day since he passed away 12 years ago. It was one of those precious days where mother and daughter were in sync with the world and a treasured memory was born. I was blessed with exercise in a most beautiful nature setting, a newfound motivation to complete my transition to a healthier lifestyle and the gift of awareness that I am living the journey of my life!

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” Rachel Carson

“The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” Claude Monet

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Where Buffalo Roam – Pioneering Weight Loss - Part 2