From the Director From the Director

town that nobody actually visited, and perpetually empty sports fields (except when school and club teams used them for sports practice). If I’m being honest, I didn’t even enjoy going on walks until the pandemic hit and I was forced to go outside to avoid cabin fever. And it was worth it — my mood is evidently better outside.

But why do we crave the outdoors? Yes, we could list all the mental health benefits and scientific evidence of why it boosts our physical health. But in the intellectuality of it, we crave to be outdoors because it reminds us to take a moment and be still.

As a follower of Jesus, I practice praying consistently throughout my week. Over time, I’ve noticed that when I pray outside, I feel more present with God; not that He’s any more or less present, but it just helps me recenter myself.

Something about the outdoors not only takes us outside of physical buildings but outside of ourselves — hearing the birds, seeing the little geckos and squirrels scurrying around, listening to the sounds of cars or people mowing their lawns; we’re reminded of the simplicity and stillness of life. My mind is emptied by the sights and sounds around me.

THE OUTDOORS IS A GATEWAY TO BOTH STILLNESS AND ACTIVITY.

If you’ve lived in Austin for at least one spring season, you know how much we love the outdoors. As soon as the frigid weather of winter melts away, Austinites are immediately out and about at the first sign of sunshine and warmth with their picnic blankets, paddleboards, volleyballs, guitars and slacklines. Austin made me fall in love with the outdoors. Where I’m from, the only places to spend time outdoors were grocery store parking lots, a small park in the middle of

At the same time, the outdoors allows space for not only stillness but activity. The outdoors is inclusive; everybody can be in the same space doing different things. As you stroll across Zilker’s lawn, you see people of all different backgrounds and interests gathering in one space to do things together or alone; you see this, too, on hiking trails, campsites and even neighborhood walks.

This Outdoors Issue highlights both the stillness and action that come with being outside. You’ll hear stories about mountaineering with diabetes, the sociability of pickleball, the serenity of birding, the connection to nature through foraging, and much more.

So get up and get outside this spring in Austin!

Keep Austin Fit,

Landry Allred DIRECTOR OF CONTENT