Lake Superior’s Wisdom: A Nine Day Circle Tour

Water is a living entity. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake on earth. So it was deeply pleasurable to drive around its entirety with my partner in our camper van for nine days. It was more than just a road trip—it was a reconnection to nature’s rhythms, and in turn, my own.

Being in close contact with nature, surrounded by towering old growth white pines and vast, glittering waters had a palpable, soothing effect on my nervous system. I felt more grounded, more present, and less overwhelmed by the barrage of thoughts that so often accompany my daily life. For those of us who identify as highly sensitive, this deep immersion in nature holds special significance. It offers us a sanctuary, a way to recalibrate, and most importantly, a pathway to reclaiming a more spiritually nourishing lifestyle.

Slowing Down to Nature’s Pace

Living in a world that often values hustle, constant productivity, and endless connectivity can be draining—especially for those of us with highly attuned nervous systems. The daily overstimulation can feel like a constant buzz of activity and noise that makes it hard to catch our breath. So, for nine days, my partner and I made a conscious decision to slow down.

We slept in. We spent our days wandering through forests, dipping our toes and sometimes full bodies into the icy waters of the big lake, and watching wildlife move at its own timeless pace. A herd of moose, heads down in the grasses. The skunk visiting our campsite after dark, tumbling off a low wood step to clamber back up again and carry on with his evening chores as we sat by the fire a few feet away. The fox sitting on its haunches in the center of a 14-mile hiking path’s entrance. Countless birds and few bugs.

This unstructured time brought a peace that’s difficult to find when tied to digital devices and endless to-do lists. Without the pressures of productivity or the pull of the online world, I found my mind clearing, my body relaxing, and my spirit sparkling. Unexpected support arrived when we crossed from Michigan into Ontario and I suddenly had no cell service. We thought about Canadian currency and passports, but not phones. Cell service was nearly non-existant anyway so we unfurled paper maps and simply wondered where there might be a good place to stop for lunch down the road, rather than checking online for reviews.

The Healing Power of Water

The Ojibwe refer to Lake Superior as Gichigami, meaning "huge water” or “great sea.” They have long believed in the healing and spiritual power of water, and it’s easy to see why. Water, in all its forms, is often described as a symbol of purification, renewal, and emotional cleansing. For me, Lake Superior became a mirror of sorts, reflecting back the state of my soul in its calm, still waters and reminding me of my need for spaciousness, both inside and out. Famous for conjuring up frightening storms and stories tall waves, she was languid throughout our trip. I felt a welcoming presence from her throughout our journey.

Each time we stopped at one of the lake’s many beaches or cliffs, I felt a profound sense of awe, but also intimacy with this vast body of water. It’s easy to think of nature as something outside of ourselves, but the truth is, we are inextricably linked. The water in our body is the same the water on earth, and when we allow ourselves to be in its presence, we realign with the greater flow of life.

As highly sensitive women, we are particularly attuned to these subtle energies. Nature speaks to us in ways that others might miss, and water, in particular, has the ability to soothe, heal, and recalibrate us. Our intuition, creativity, and spiritual depth all seem to amplify when we spend time near natural bodies of water. This isn’t an indulgence—it’s a necessity for our well-being.

Finding Meaning in the Quiet Moments

While driving through small towns and along winding forest roads, I realized how much I had been missing the quiet. Not the absence of sound, but the presence of stillness. That stillness allowed me to reconnect with my inner voice, which can often get drowned out in the busyness of life. Our campgrounds each night were so quiet! Oftentimes you’ll hear people talking and bustling about in these shared spaces but there seemed to be a collective awe at the majesty surrounding us and you could hear a pine needle drop by 8pm.

For so many of us in midlife, there’s a desire to reclaim something that feels lost—a sense of meaning, spirituality, or connection that once felt more accessible. Being in nature reminded me that it’s not gone; it’s simply waiting for me to slow down enough to notice it again. The spaciousness of the wilderness invites introspection and deeper connection. It gives us the time to ask ourselves what we truly want from our lives, without the noise of society’s expectations clouding the answers.

A Pathway Back to Balance

The contrast was stark when I reconnected to the digital world. The tightness in my chest returned, my mind raced to catch up, and I felt the familiar grip of tension take hold again. It made me realize how critical these breaks from modern life are for maintaining balance and well-being. 

Coming back online, back to the demands of daily life, was a reminder that our world is not built for sensitivity. But we don’t have to follow its rhythm. We can choose to step back, to create regular moments of reconnection with nature—whether that’s a nine-day road trip around Lake Superior or a simple walk by a nearby river.

For those of us seeking a more holistic and meaningful lifestyle, it’s not enough to simply incorporate nature when it’s convenient. We need to make it a priority, a practice. Reconnecting with earth, water, fire and air, and with our own inner rhythms isn’t just a break from modern life—it’s a way to reclaim who we are at our core. 

My time on Lake Superior was more than just a trip; it was a reminder of the power of nature to heal, ground, and guide us back to balance. And it’s a gift I’m committed to giving myself more often, in small and large ways, as I continue this endless journey of a more holistic, spiritually aligned life.

So, my invitation to you is simple: Find your own Lake Superior. Seek out the spaces that allow your nervous system to relax, where the water and the wind can whisper you back to yourself. Because in those quiet, sacred moments, you’ll find what you’ve been searching for all along—your true self, connected, whole, and at peace.