Winter’s Chill: Meditation by a creek.

On June 12, 2024, I set off for one of my favourite activities—a winter hike in the national park. The air temperature at 7am was a crisp 4°C, the kind of cold that makes your breath visible and leaves the tips of your fingers slightly numb. But I was determined to make the most of it. After about two hours of hiking, my body had warmed up as I trekked through the peaceful landscape, embracing the stillness of the morning.

I eventually came upon a beautiful little creek, its water crystal clear and calling out to me like an invitation from nature itself. But with the water temperature at a frigid 3°C and the air barely warming up to 9°C, it wasn’t exactly the ideal time for a skinny dip—unless I was looking to flirt with hypothermia! Instead, I opted for a different kind of naked indulgence.

Stripping off my hiking clothes, I left them neatly on the bank and walked naked along the creek, letting the cool, fresh air hit my skin. Every step along the creek’s edge felt invigorating. I paused often, standing still in the sun, closing my eyes to soak in the winter warmth as it kissed my body. There’s a magic to that—feeling the sun’s rays cut through the chill, mixed with the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. The birds were chattering away as if they were catching up on the morning’s events, and every so often, a kangaroo would hop by, minding its own business but reminding me of the wild beauty surrounding me.

I found a nice spot on a large boulder, the sun was reaching it making perfect for me to sit down and do some meditation. I did not realise the time passing by, about an hour later I decided to stretch my legs a bit.

I spent nearly an hour enjoying the simplicity of it all, pacing back and forth, taking in the peace of the creek and the raw connection with nature that only comes from being truly bare. The world felt wonderfully distant and quiet, just me and the elements, in perfect harmony.

Eventually, it was time to dress again and continue my hike. I slipped my clothes back on, feeling that satisfying warmth of my gear against my skin, and set off to complete the 22km trek. The day still had plenty in store, but nothing quite compared to that hour spent at the creek—just me, the sun, and the stillness of a winter’s morning.

Stay nude, stay safe, have fun

Vince