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A Soul’s Holiday
(10-20-21)
After turning sixty, I read that I have been alive for 22,000 days on this planet. I knew most of these days had been me spent hashing and rehashing my what if this or what if that’s. Up to this point, I did not appreciate being alone with myself. It scared me to be alone with my 60,000 thoughts I have a day with 80% of my thoughts being negative. Even worse is 95% are the same repetitive thoughts as the day before. One of my favorite quotes is “When you know better, you do better. Maya Angelou.” I made this my mantra and decided it was time for a change. I enjoyed the time I had spent hiking with friends, but I wanted to try a solo hike without my friends, my dog, and a music playlist. I felt like the scariest thing I could encounter on the trail was not as scary as some of the things I had been through this far along in life. As I stepped onto the trail for my first solo hike, the stress drained from my psyche. Instantly it was easier to breathe and even with a backpack the load on my shoulders was lighter than when I was sitting at my computer. This isolation was slowly clearing my mind to discern my troubles. I wished I would have figured out sooner that I needed opportunities to refresh and reground myself. I knew I was in for some productive thinking. I kept my music off because it allowed me to immerse myself fully into the experience. The noise of the trees rustling, the birds chirping, twigs snapping as I walk down the path was music to my ears. The sounds were quite exciting. The experience was not unlike reading an enjoyable book for the first time, when nothing exists but you and the story pulling you along. The worries of the world faded, my mindfulness became keener, and the expedition more magnificent with each step. Starting a hike early had momentous results in getting to see mother earth awaken for the day. The morning dew on the flowers glistened like diamonds as the sun shined through the trees. Just being present was enough, no pressure to interact with anyone. It was easier for me to release any principle of who I am, what I want, and what has happened in the past. This peaceful experience in nature is something money cannot buy. It was easy for me to allow my soul to get in tune with the natural rhythm of things, cleanse my mind, and reap the benefits of meditation without much effort.
Due to COVID-19, we have all become experts at being alone. COVID-19 has forced us into new, lonelier ways of existing in the world. Solitude can have positive effects of more freedom to increased spirituality, while negative effects are socially depriving and may trigger the onset of mental illness. A daily walk in a local park or visiting a trail climbing up a bluff can be just what you needed to get away from something. I usually do not know what the something is until the solitude reveals it to me. I may not have 22,000 days left in my life, but now that I know better, I am trying my best to not waste any days, minutes, or seconds on things I cannot change. Solitude is addictive, but I also enjoy my time in nature with my family and friends. What nature has to offer feels like a gift and you should unwrap it every chance you get.
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My Adventurous
Trekking Poles
When I grip you in my hands, I feel invincible on the trail. You’ve been there
from the beginning. You were cheap and made of aluminum, but I will always love
you more than a lighter, more expensive set of carbon poles. We’ve been through
so much.
You’ve provided stability to keep me upright more times than not, as I hike
over rocks and through creeks. With you in place in each hand, I can gawk
around and soak in the trail’s sights and feel confident that you will brace me
and keep me from a fall.
As I click-clack down the trail, I sometimes get the tips of the poles wedged
between the rocks which gives me a little jolt. It’s not your fault, I need to
use my rubber tips, but then I couldn’t make a leaf kabob which gives you a
good photo op.
You are like magic wands and performing miraculous tricks. You not only keep me
from falling but you help me fight the briars away on the trail’s narrow ways.
I’ve imagined many times that you would be a great weapon if I ever have to
take on a snake or a bear.
I wrote you an ode because on my last hike I realized how important you are to
me. I let my guard down for just a few seconds and with both poles in the same
hand and a rolling rock under my feet, in a moment I was down, and trail
punched me in the face. Thankfully, I walked away with a bruised ego and only
dirt on my face.
We make a good team; our rhythm is in sync without much thought. If you could
talk, there is no doubt your stories would be better than mine. You will always
be on my plunder list as number one!
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