Stories of Courage and Healing Lived Outdoors
By Brad Thiessen
Why do cancer survivors run marathons and triathlons? Why do divorcees journey to the hills of Italy? Why do grieving spouses hike the Appalachian Trail?
At least a part of the answer is that nature–being outdoors–has the power to reach deep into our souls and heal us. Another is that having a goal helps us rebuild a sense of meaning and purpose for our lives. And a third part of the answer is that the physical strength that’s developed through these efforts can lead to emotional and mental resilience. Stories have that same power to heal and inspire us. When they’re compelling, they can take us out of our own experience and give us a window into someone else’s reality. That connection can bring new paths to growth.
Put those together and you get the OutLive Film Festival. It’s an evening of short films that tell true stories of courage and healing, lived outdoors. Now in its second year, the festival will be held at 7 pm on Thursday March 20 at the Washington Cracker Company building at 304 W. Pacific Ave. downtown Spokane. Learn more and get tickets at outlivefilmfest.com.
