The U.S. continues to buzz over Obama’s proposed health care plan. It dominates the news headlines and will continue to do so for many more weeks to come. Depending on the source, you’ll find some eloquent, and some not so eloquent, discussion on why Americans should agree or disagree with the proposal, and although opinions change from article to article and source to source, reactions seem fairly consistent regardless of what side of the political spectrum you fall on – rumors persist, misunderstandings abound, anger grows, and fear spills over the hearts of the public.

There is no doubt that health care is a sensitive subject. I mean, any topic that brings out gun toting protesters and grocery store “soapboxes” (That’s when people setup informational booths outside local supermarkets) is a serious one in my book, or at least one that should be taken as such. It was just the other night that I was getting off a boat from backpacking Santa Cruz Island when I entered a grocery store and was confronted with a large sign displaying the words “Not over our Dead Bodies.” The individual displaying the banner was building opposition for the President’s proposal, but the sign acted more as a sharp jolt back into our controversial and complicated world for me.

After a couple days of being disconnected from both the media and society, I had forgotten all about the controversy that loomed. It was quite nice not having a cell phone, internet, depressing statistics, terrible headlines, or heated debate to deal with.  Nature had “chilled me out” with her panoramic views, calming breeze, and peaceful landscapes, so coming home to the heated health care battle was like a cold shower on a cold day.

Now don’t get me wrong. I understand why there is controversy and debate. I get why a well-managedand and dependable health care system is extremely important for us. However, for me, it’s much more than a program provided by a public or private agency. I believe it’s first and foremost about lifestyle, which is entirely regulated by us as individuals. What do I mean? Well, lets take a step back from the political sound bites for a moment and think about what we are currently doing to maintain a healthy life. For instance, are we eating right? Exercising? Engaging in positive and meaningful relationships? Learning? Growing (Relationaly and Spiritually)?

One of my favorite things about the natural environment is the health benefit it provides. It’s a great place to exercise whether I’m hiking, surfing or going on a walk.  It’s also the perfect venue for clearing my head and/or hashing things out. Nature surrounds my daily distractions (i.e. iPhone, Computer, TV) with her cloak of dirt, sand and trees to the point where I can actually think straight. Some of my most enjoyable moments in life are simply walking the beach’s promenade with my wife. I get to enjoy the ocean, uninterrupted quality time with a loved one, meaningful conversation, and some exercise all in a single moment. It’s one of the most important components to my personal health care plan.

If you haven’t already, then I suggest creating your own reformed personal health care plan.  Try a simple walk in a park, on the beach, or forest trail. Grab a friend or  loved one to provide some company. The point is to get away from what ever distracts you,  get into nature, and connect with yourself and/or someone else. You’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is. Plus, it might even make you a nicer person… who knew?