This post was originally published on January 9, 2016.
Yesterday as I was out on a walk at lunch, I was reminded of one of the reasons I love to hike. One of the reasons I must hike.
The trail I usually walk at lunch is next to the Skykomish River and the storms in the past few months have meant severe flooding along the river and up onto the trails. The park has been closed several times and there are still signs warning of the loose bank and deteriorated trail.
As I moved along over the messy earth, I thought about how it is a metaphor for life itself. We are given opportunities to be off balance so we can practice uprighting ourselves.
When I hike over roots, rocks, mud, branches, brush, downed trees, and other precarious terrain, it is like stepping out onto a puzzle designed by nature. As you go along, your brain works with your body to figure out how to maneuver obstacles in your way. Each path allows you a chance to orient yourself to the world.
In August, I took my 6 year old niece hiking. I have a responsibility as her aunt to make sure she knows how to climb mountains and pee outside! As we were starting up the trail, she was tripping and stumbling regularly and I was worried I was going to have some explaining to do to my sister-in-law for a lot of bruises (if I didn’t lose her off the side of the trail itself).
It dawned on me that she was simply not used to walking on uneven ground. To my pleasure, by the time we were walking back down the trail, she was catching herself and taking that trail like she owned it. It hadn’t taken long for her brain and body to figure out how to adapt to what the trail was throwing her way.
The trail reminds us to not always choose the easy, smooth path. If you don’t hike in the rain, how will you know if your rain gear will keep you dry when you need it to? We become so used to things being paved for us, made convenient. It is easy to lose our ability to adapt to our surroundings.
This applies to not only the natural world but life itself. Unfamiliar situations that make us uneasy and challenge our comfort level may actual serve us a purpose. Taking on a new project, talking to a stranger, or asking for something we need often lead us to adaptation and growth.
It might take you a little while until it feels like second nature (especially the farther you are from the age of 6), but get out there and find yourself some uneven territory to conquer. Help train your brain to weather whatever comes your way.
Have you found yourself stumbling at a new task but with time owning it like a second nature? Do share!
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