VIKING MAN in NATURE by Tyr Neilsen

The Norse people spent much of their time out in nature and became skilled woodsmen and hunters. Modern Norwegians still spend much of their time out in nature, especially during weekends and holidays, and woodsmanship and hunting are still popular year-round activities.

Although much has changed in the last millennium, most Norwegians keep in touch with nature and see the value of nature's life-giving gifts. Throughout the centuries, Norwegians have appreciated the fantastic nature that surrounds them, and just as their ancestors did, modern Norwegians feel that they are an integral part of nature and that they need to work with nature, not against it. 

Since the dawn of time, humans have lived in nature and as part of nature. Our ancestors understood the simple truth that everything is connected. We are a part of nature and nature is part of us.  Norwegians are almost daily in direct physical contact with nature, and recieve massive health benifits from having this contact. 

"Ut på tur aldri sur." This Norwegian saying, which basically translates to "Out for a walk, never sour" is used all the time by a nation of people who go for regular walks out in nature. Modern science is now proving what Norwegians have always known intuitively, that nature effects our character and does good things to the human brain, making us healthier, happier, and smarter.  

A walk outside in nature as a health-promoting physical activity is a given, but many modern Norwegians are also embracing walking barefoot out in nature. This the age-old activity stimulates the feet as they press on the gound, something which helps with the body's healing system. Climbing trees barefoot is also an activity that naturally stimulates the hands and feet.

Trees have always been vital to the health of life in Norway, and were of inestimable value for the Norse people. Trees represented a place where food was to be found, they were a source of heat, and were the most important building material. As important as trees were to Norse society, it was essential to not cut down too many trees in one area, as this would create ecological and resource problems. 

The people of the North knew that the Earth was incredibly old and had powerful energies, and that all nutrition and everything they needed to be healthy came from nature. It was of paramount importance for the Scandinavian people of the Viking Age to keep the earth fertile. If the nature that surrounded them was fertile, they too would be fertile.  

Vikings understood that spending time in nature strengthens the spirit and is very good for the health in general. Modern Norwegians understand this simple fact too, and spend a good deal of their time enjoying nature, in a country that has a surplus of fresh air and fresh water, surrounded by magnificent mountains, forests and fjords.

Get in touch with the Viking inside you, and enjoy the many benefits of being out in nature. Whether it is a walk in the forest or hills, camping out for a weekend, going fishing, or simply grilling your food out in nature, the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits are enormous. When Norwegians do this, they say "God tur", which means "Have a good journey". 

God tur

tyr neilsen