If there is one lesson to COVID 19 it is that we are social creatures and crave space. This has been a difficult time for many people, and empathize with those who are completely alone during this experience.
Although I haven't been flying solo, some way, some how this experience has touched all of us. With the desire to mix things up, detach from technology and get in touch with ourselves, we decided to go camping in our living room.
I actually got the idea from a client who's husband thought of this idea. I thought it was also a brilliant idea on how to stay in touch with our relationships to our loved ones, nature and detach from chronic tech use.
I live a very natural life, and my technology consumption has drastically increased during this time. I am not happy about it, but with no where to go it was time to be creative with camping, cooking and natural sounds. For those who live in a home, your backyard is a great escape, but for those in apartments, we have no where else to go besides our living room!
We pitched a tent in the living and began our natural experience by streaming various mountain and creek sounds on Youtube. We relaxed under the tent with the dog while celebrating life over some beverages.
Sound is an amazing sense because just the peaceful noises transported us to feel like we were in nature. I felt "happier" with leaving the phone behind and just focusing on the moment of being together while playing a card game.
As the sun set, we changed scenes by streaming one of my one-hour ambient white noise tracks of nighttime forest camping to hear the various sounds of fire crackling, crickets and loons.
The sweet tooth ignited and decided to once again use the oven to bake ourselves some s'mores for dessert. Being away from natural light led to an early sleep, which led to an early awakening where we woke up to the sounds of the birds singing in the spring and enjoying each other's company over a cozy cup of coffee in the tent. ​If you're still stuck at home, I suggest trying a backyard or living room camping experience. For me, too much tech use is depressing and just releasing the body from the artificial light that comes from the screen was refreshing and restorative. Below are both recipes if interested in experimenting with this idea! Hopefully as things continue to open up we'll be able to enjoy the parks and camping like usual. Enjoy! 
Vegan HOBO Meal
Serves 2 large, 4 small Ingredients: 1 head of broccoli, chopped 6 red skin potatoes, chopped 2 cups brussel sporouts, halved 2 Field Roast sausage links (used apple sage) 2 carrots, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley olive oil salt + pepper + Italian herbs + garlic salt to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash and cut the produce and mix it in a large bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix. Add the spices to your taste. Line a baking sheet with two large sheets of foil. Add half of the veggie mixture + 1 sausage link (slice if desired) in each foil. Top evenly with parsley, and fold, wrap and close the foil. Set in the oven to bake between 30-40 minutes, or until potatoes are edible and well cooked. Remove from foil and eat warm! Add additional spices if necessary. 
Oven Baked S'mores
Time: 10 minutes Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 bar of dark chocolate (vegan) 1/4 cup plant-based milk 1 box of graham crackers of your choice (vegan) Vegan marshmallows (or regular if not vegan) Directions: Preheat the oven to broil. In the microwave, melt the chocolate with the 1/4 cup of milk. I used almond milk, and mixed the chocolate and milk together every ten seconds until it liquified. Be sure not to bur the chocolate. In a small 6-8 inch cast iron skillet, pour the chocolate evenly into the skillet. Next, set the marshmallows on top. Put the skillet in the oven on the top rack for anywhere between 10-40 seconds. Every oven is different and some ovens take longer. Remove once the marshmallows on slightly brown on top. This cooks fast! Let it cool for one minute and then dip the graham crackers into the smores, see image above! ​How have you stayed creative during covid-19? I wish you the best in health and life and hope you and your loved ones are safe and happy. Let's Connect!
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AuthorElizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com 
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