Sorry You Missed the Hike ????♂?
Below is a piece from Down to Earth, my weekly Health, Happiness, and Community newsletter. Be sure to Subscribe and check out the full archive here! ??
The Maiden Voyage ??
It was a cool morning and rain was falling in sheets across the valley of the Hudson River.
A band of 15 hikers packed onto the Metro North bound for Cold Spring. We were uncertain if a climb up Mount Taurus was possible in wet conditions. Between jokes, the grip of doubt squeezed enthusiasm from each of us. Rain struck the ground more intensely with each passing moment. The forecast originally called for lighter moods and precipitation.
Fortune was in our favor. As we made our way toward the trail, brave intentions and resilience in mind, the downpour stopped. But so did the chatter.
When you start something, the first five minutes are solemn and contemplative. The crew dominated the steep, muddy climb. We shared memories and made new ones to pass the time.
Sweat came in soon after, and we were hiking.
At each break, we’d pause to reflect and complete some of the challenges. We each recharged in our own ways. On a hike, smoke and snack breaks share custody of time. Whatever keeps you going. We prepared to reach the summit.
Challenges: Shoutout to Matthue for completing all six! ??
Typically, the way down a mountain is pleasant and passive. When the rocky trail is slicked with hours of rain, traversing down is a challenge. Paired with slips, trips, and careful grabbing, we all arrived at the mountainside creek for lunch in one piece.
When the heart rate lowers, oxygen is pumped less frequently throughout the body, causing mental and physical states to change. Breathing slows down. Vision is clearer. Moods are still and predictable. A climb can induce some serious changes in these states.
I asked the other hikers what they were thinking about during the hike. When did certain thoughts appear, and why? Timing is everything.
In town, we ate empanadas and ice cream by the river. It was a short walk from the station. The sun was stuck behind grey clouds and wooded mountains but it would not set for another two hours. The train took a long time to come.
We hiked until we were sleepy and the day was good.
Gratitudes ????
A special shoutout to the inaugural class of Down to Earth Hikers.
Thank you to Isabella, Matthue, Andrew, Nik, Zak, Manza, Cipher, Taj, Maya, Gilbelkis, Shedkia, Caden, Ed, Kris and Ana for contributing to the unforgettable experience of our adventure.
My Answers ??
In last week’s newsletter, I shared the prompts we would follow on the hike. I’ll share my answers to the prompts below as I wrote them during the adventure. Thankfully, I’ve typed them out, as to spare you from the ghastly scrawl that is my handwriting.
Spend five minutes writing down only what you can sense. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste??
I smell moist air with hints of wood which smells wet too. It’s afternoon, but there are crickets chirping. Many of them. Aluminum bottles are clanging against keys and zippers. It sounds like high school. Low hums in the distance, friendly voices nearby. Muddy air tastes like what it is.
Describe the phenomenon in as much detail as possible. Now, think about the sensory stimuli. How do they make you feel? Peaceful, still, excited, reflective, weightless, content, drawn, chilled. This is a state of being I constantly aim to achieve.
Now, close your eyes for 30 seconds. Listen, sense, and feel. What do you sense now? What are the differences from before? Receptive. More still. Vibrational. Biggest difference is focus, concentration and balance are stronger. The urge to be distracted is present. I feel held together.
Draw something you see. Make it simple.
While on the train home, my Mom got locked in the bathroom. The Metro North ticket-checker, a pudgy, indifferent, and miserly fellow reminiscent of an early 2000’s comedy, was of little help. The situation was amusing and gave us a good laugh. I pathetically attempt to recreate it below.
领英推荐
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Write a haiku ??
I struggled to write my haikus, feeling void of inspiration. I was tired from a long day of hiking. Once I got into the rhythm, I realized that the struggle made for satisfactory writing.
Spectators
strung along the top
crickets chirp a ghastly song
”they won’t make it down”
Chatter
at the mountaintop
careless crickets sing
the clamor of night
Southbound
blind in rage and step
the howl of the night’s phantom
lights and laughs inside
Final Prompts + Reflections ??
On the train home, or when you are settled back at your place, write down anything that comes to mind. Words, phrases, exclamations – let it all flow.?
Gratitude, suspension, abandon, reclination, retraction, responsibility, nobility, reaction, elation, contemplation, love, harmony, purpose. Perfection and completion.
Reflect on the experience. What did you enjoy about today? What challenged you? Think about the times when doubt controlled your decisions. Was it a tricky ledge that stifled you? Perhaps you doubted if you could make it past the initial climb.?
I enjoyed the company of a big crowd. A gang. I appreciated their contributions. I can write of It some da. The challenge was to stay rigid amidst conflicts and social strife. Persistence in the face of temptations to falter. Doubt oozed through the walls and enclosed me with concerns about time + preparation. And still … I am grateful for my triumph.
Reflect on the moments of joy you experienced. Will they make you open to more hikes or outdoor experiences??
Togetherness spoiled me plenty. I can find joy in the memories of today. The warmth of a team made the cold rain a welcome relief. I was glad to eat and share food. I hope memories will live on in others as the thoughts of smiles and smirks warm my heart now.
See you on the next hike!
Best hiking, camping tees : graphictee.life