Yesterday I wanted to go on a last minute hike because I was CRAVING the mountains, so I went by my myself. I went to @alltrails and found a hike close enough for a morning trip. I’m not one to stay on trails — I like to explore, so I ended up exploring my way up a summit I was not expecting.
About halfway up I saw where I was heading. There was a flag at the summit, and it was very high up. I thought, “you can’t do that by yourself.” I took a rest in the shade of a huge boulder and felt a rush of sensual connectedness that made it worth being right there, halfway to the summit. Then a group of 4 came, said hello, and kept going. They gave me courage to keep going up.
I didn’t go all the way to the top because at some point it felt unwise, and I asked myself if I was striving for the top because I wanted to, or because I wanted to prove to 4 strangers that I could.
What I really wanted was this view, to breathe this air, to feel a sense of adventure, and to connect with myself. Getting to the top didn’t appeal much to me — nor does the idea of “claiming” a summit. I stopped climbing right around where I took these images, turned around and went back down to splash that crystal water on my skin.
I learned a lot in those few hours, things nature will always teach. Humility is the main thing — when climbing, getting low on all fours like a child is necessary. When I remembered to do that I had more fun, I felt more childlike, more in control of my fate on the mountain, and more athletic. When I didn’t, I slipped, and fear came in.
I also learned that there’s no harm in being prepared! 😜
I know these kinds of adventures are great with company, and especially for women, there’s worry about being alone (sorry mom, grandma, and Aunt C 😬). But a mantra came to me while I was climbing that put the experience into perspective, “all we ever are is alone in the wilderness.” That’s the truth, even when there’s company.
So, do you climb the mountain when no one is there to go with you, or do you leave it alone? I’d rather try.
#BravingtheWilderness
