Philosophy of the Outdoors : Physical Activity and the Experience of Meaning in Nature

Takes the reader on a fascinating adventure from the Tibetan Himalayas to the ocean around Hawaii while questioning the deeper significance of these experiences. Why do we run, hike, cycle, ski, swim, or pursue other outdoor activities? In Philosophy of the Outdoors, Jasper van Buuren shows that physical activity not only allows us to explore our natural surroundings but also transforms and opens up our body to nature: It transforms our experience of those surroundings. Physical exercise and exposure to the elements forge a deep connection with nature that remains inaccessible to the passive viewer. We find pleasure in attuning to the specific features of the environment, a joy that turns into an experience of meaning when we learn to appreciate nature as the ultimate source of that joy. And that's not all. While feeling connected we can at the same time attain a sense of wonder. We realize that we never really know nature, and even that we never really know ourselves as part of nature. Engaging with many outdoor enthusiasts, from kayakers to rock climbers and surfers, van Buuren explores both the delight and profundity of outdoor activity.