Living amongst the city rush can become overwhelming at times and the need to escape on a regular basis is ever increasing. Where has this year gone?  Many of us feel we have to travel far to escape the city, but this is simply not the case. An abundance of nature walks and retreats are a short drive away.

Recently discovering the beauty of Mt Cootha, it's safe to say she is a new found love of mine. It's easily accessible, only 20 minutes from home and although so close to city life, it's far enough to smell the wattle and sit among the gum trees listening to the pink galas teasing each other above. The night views are also well worth mentioning, so grab your blanket and head on up with some homemade cocoa and cookies and be captivated by the stars above and the lights ahead. A great way to forget about the busyness or craziness of life at work, home or if you just feel like you are dragging yourself around.

Winding down from a hectic week at work with some retail therapy and a drink or two are a couple of ways of escaping. However having space to slow down and empty your mind, truly acknowledging your thoughts and feelings is equally as important, free and not to mention will last longer than that $80 dress (we do love those $80 dresses though).

Some other great hide-outs include Mt Tamborine, Toohey Forest, Burleigh Heads National Park, Mt Gravatt Lookout, Chung Tian Temple and Springbrook National Park.  Note: Springbrook has glow worms, so it can be a great evening trip! Psst, don't forget your torch and a buddy.

This Government website has an abundance of links to many parks and pockets around Brisbane that are easy to follow. New ideas, new adventures and some exploration can be had. Add a dash of curiosity, some fun and who knows, maybe you can look up zen meditation, learning to still your mind.  Oh, and don't forget to find a great new recipe for making your own cocoa and bask in the wonder of mother nature; it is closer than you realise.

As Ferris Jabr said in The New Yorker "We don't have to devote much conscious effort to the act of walking, our attention is free to wander."