Embracing Wellness in Big Bear
Posted: 03/28/25 | By Damien Navarro
Over the years, I’ve often reflected on the whispers of my ancestors and how they guided me to view Big Bear Lake not merely as a playground for outdoor adventures, but as a cradle of healing. Our mountains have long been revered as a place where the hustle of modern life dissipates, where hearts can mend, and where spirits naturally rediscover their spark. After sharing the marvels of our “March Miracle” snowfall, I want to invite you to delve deeper into another layer of Big Bear’s magic—a realm I like to call Wilderness Wellness.
A Sanctuary for Every Traveler
Often, people think of Big Bear as a destination for winter sports, summer hikes, or that legendary eagle nest perched high in the pines. However, there’s a quieter side waiting to embrace you—a side that nurtures the soul. Whether you’re celebrating a significant life milestone, grieving a personal loss, managing stress from a demanding career, or simply longing for a fresh perspective, Big Bear Lake, CA, offers a refuge for healing. This mountain region may be cloaked in snow at times, but beneath that frosty exterior lies a living heartbeat of warmth and renewal.
Growing up in these mountains, I learned that healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Our ancestors believed that the towering trees, clear waters, and shifting skies each hold a unique medicine—one that resonates with athletes, artists, families, and solo travelers alike. Some come here to push their limits on the slopes, finding catharsis in speed and adrenaline. Others seek the hush of forest trails, allowing the stillness to reawaken creativity or heal a broken heart. For every version of you that arrives in Big Bear Lake, there’s an experience—and a story—waiting to unfold.
The Ancestors’ Wisdom: Slow Down to Look Inward
In many Indigenous teachings, the forest is more than a collection of trees; it’s a gathering of wise elders who have witnessed centuries of changing seasons. My grandparents used to say, “In the quiet, you can hear the stories carried on the wind.” Let these mountain winds speak to you. Imagine stepping away from screens and schedules, letting your feet wander along the shoreline or pausing in the hush of a snow-capped clearing. A single crow’s call can echo like a gentle reminder: slow down, breathe, and listen within.
Amid this timeless setting, the modern world has woven a new tapestry of wellness offerings—methods to harness nature’s calming energy and translate it into personal transformation. While eagles nest in the winter branches overhead, we too can nestle into a deeper sense of serenity below.