I spent May long weekend 2018 turkey hunting with my husband, since he had finally been drawn for his Merriam’s Turkey after an 11 year wait. It was a welcome mini vacation to southern Alberta after the traumatic experience our community suffered earlier in the month.
Many of us have bounced between the emotions described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and at the same time had to help others who are in different stages to grieve; hoping that you all get to a feeling of catharsis and that you are able to establish a new normal. However, along the journey you not only deal with gut wrenching emotions and thoughts you also have to be cognizant of and deal with the physical manifestations of grief which include: fatigue (constantly feeling exhausted since sleeping seems impossible), tightness in the chest, shortness of breath (which can scare the shit out of you!!), headaches, forgetfulness, being totally and utterly distracted, stomachaches, feeling nauseous or even ravenous. Then to top things off grief makes you super susceptible to getting sick more often.
I sort of felt like I was sinking. While grieving myself I also had to be a bottom hand for vulnerable individuals who were grieving. Which is why I invited myself on my husband’s hunting trip. I needed to get out, to do something fun. Don’t get me wrong (I am always welcome to go hunting with him and I don’t have to twist his arm to let me go); my husband was an incredible support to me during this time .. I am lucky I have him to hold my hand in this life.
Hunting has many health benefits; not only for physical but mental health as well, as outlined by, Health Fitness Revolution. I figured a hunting trip would help me get out of my grief funk. And guess what… it did!
* Connection with friends and family: you can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
* Physical balance: core muscles are engaged and helps with posture; reducing aches and pains in your back and your balance
* Is physically demanding: Lots of work goes in to hunting even in the prep stage; it is a pastime that gets you off the couch…
* Exercise: not just from walking/hiking but using a bow and rifle can lead to the development of bicep and forearm muscular endurance.
* Enjoying nature: Science has proven time and again that, outdoor exercise decreases tension, confusion, anger and depression. Even a short period of time outside can do wonders for mood
* Nutrition: hunting allows you to harvest lean and organic meat. You also feel lots of pride when you can provide for yourself and your family
* Increases mental discipline: hunting is as much of a mental pursuit and it is a physical one. You have to concentrate and engage in problem solving which requires both critical and creative thinking
* Mental Relaxation: Nature has the uncanny ability to clear our minds; everyday stresses just melt away. You can’t worry about your schedule when you are marvelling over Mother Nature.
* Gives the body an adrenaline boost: . Increased levels of adrenalin = the break down glycogen = muscles get glucose = a fueled body (in a nutshell at least)
I also was able to embrace the history of my province; driving the Cowboy Trail and seeing the breathtaking ranches where hardworking Albertans endure. The Burmis tree standing tall after 650-700 years, the monuments honouring the Hillcrest Mine disaster and Frank Slide. And of course eating at the Rum Runner. As a social teacher I never miss an opportunity to nerd out. It is incredible to think about the hard work, determination and sheer grit of the people who lived in this area… who started from nothing in a fairly hostile environment. Think of the women who lost husbands in Frank Slide who dug deep, picked up and soldiered on —the resiliency and ingenuity is mind boggling.
We saw of course turkeys, moose, elk, deer, Canada geese with their goslings and other smaller birds of prey, skunks and squirrels. In amongst the snow covered trails there were beautiful yellow and purple wildflowers… reminding me that there is hope, there is happiness there are new beginnings after loss and hardship!
