Lessons From The Trail

It’s a few days before the end of another year, the end of a decade. While I’m not someone who makes resolutions for the new year, I seem to find myself feeling reflective and – in spite of myself – contemplating possibilities for what the new year may hold, and what I learned from this year’s experiences. My greatest teacher, and greatest joy, is time spent in nature. After spending four days on the Appalachian Trail in September, my hiking buddy and I made a list of some of our ‘Lessons from the Trail’ which I thought I’d share.

1. Make No Assumptions. In hiking, one mile could take anywhere between 20-90 minutes, depending on terrain, weather, fatigue, etc. etc. Weather can change in the blink of an eye, especially with elevation. Don’t assume there will be a campsite available when you’re ready to stop hiking for the day – you may have to climb one more mountain to find a place to rest. By making no assumptions, it’s easier to stay in the flow of the experience, accepting surprises along the way (instead of getting frustrated when things aren’t working out as anticipated).

2. It’s Hard To Make Decisions When You’re Exhausted/When You’re Butt is Kicked. When you’re tired, you might try to make a campsite out of a tiny clearing on the ledge of a mountain and, at least for a moment, think it’s a good idea. Communication skills disappear and even the most obvious decision can feel hard and confusing. So basic and simple: practice self-care. Get enough rest and sleep. Drink enough water (and electrolytes!). Eat enough healthy food. When we physically feel better our minds and intuition function better too.

3. You Are Way Stronger Than You Think You Are. Seriously. Sometimes our ideas about our capabilities really get in the way. One of the gifts of hiking is that there sometimes is no choice but to keep going – so you keep going. In spite of yourself. There’s no room for debate about it. It’s a cool feeling to surprise yourself.

4. Stop And Find The Blaze. One of the gifts of hiking a path like the Appalachian Trail is the awareness of the countless people who have walked this path before. There’s a palpable energy of movement and aliveness and presence. There are “trail angels” who leave water and snacks along the way. The trail is well-blazed, the beautiful dollar-sized white marks on trees and posts guiding the way. There’s a freedom in simply following the path laid out before you. Paradoxically, by simply following the well-worn path, the mind relaxes and awareness expands. Beauty overwhelms – sounds, sights, smells. Sometimes sparks of inspiration for life off the trail. Moving forward and staying present; it’s a fine balance.

5. Stay Present But Plan Ahead. As I mentioned in #4, the magic is in the moment – hearing the cardinal’s song then spotting the red bird high in the tree as you pass. Or seeing the tiny frog on the edge of the trail. All the many gifts of Nature. But it’s important to check maps and have a loosely-held plan. How far to the next water source? Are there mountains in between? Do you have everything you need to get from here to there safely? It’s impossible to receive the gifts along the way if basic needs haven’t been met and if you don’t have a certain level of security about what lies ahead. Another paradox, in being prepared and having a plan, the easier it is not to be thrown off by the inevitable surprises along the way.

6. One Step At A Time. Literally. If you start the day focused on the many miles to be covered, it turns into a long and exhausting day. When things feel overwhelming, just take one more step. Just this step. And one more. Somehow, with that, miles slide by beneath your feet. The sun crosses the sky from one horizon to another.

7. Keep Your Burden Light; Only Carry What You Really Need. This is up to each of us to decide. What do we really need? There are stories of hikers who carry bicycles for the length of the trail. Or framed photographs. Or piles of rocks. Each person has their own story and definition of need.The concept of ‘need’ morphs and changes over time. Carrying an extra pound on your back over mountains and valleys can definitely shift your perspective. Is there anything you thought you needed that suddenly seems superfluous? Let it go! Needs boil down to essentials. The definition of what’s essential becomes more and more clear. It’s important to pause now and then to consider what is essential – and what is ready to be released.

8. Personal Hygiene is Relative. Not much more to say about this one.

9. Listen.

It sometimes feels like listening is something of a lost art. Really listening. Being immersed in Nature and truly listening is a great blessing. Deep listening in Nature feels like it also opens the possibility of listening within. Our Souls whisper quietly, patiently waiting to be heard. Our hearts reveal our deepest truths; we need only be present enough for the unveiling. Nature supports this process. Or perhaps it’s simply time and attention that’s needed, and so readily available on the trail. Practicing the art of listening is a many-layered gift – to the listener and the one being heard. Silence your presumptions and responses and allow yourself to receive the gifts being offered in the whispers of the winds.

10. You’re Never Alone. On the trail one can sense the spirits of the land, all those who have walked the path in the past, all the critters ducking in the brush as we loud and clumsy humans pass. Nature herself is a companion in the woods. The communities of tall trees feel welcoming, dancing their slow dance and whispering their wisdom. Fellow hikers offer words of camaraderie and encouragement. We are all simply walking each other home.

11. Beetles Are Really Loud Or You Never Know What You Might Learn Along The Way. After a long day hiking, I laid my tired body down inside the tent under a light drizzle. In the stillness, I started to hear something that sounded like a critter was chewing on the corner of the tent. Not exactly inviting sleep or relaxation. With the help of a tiny flashlight, peaking through the tent’s screened window, I was relieved to not see any mice or rats. Instead, there were tiny black beetles skittering through the wet fall leaves. Who knew such a tiny creature could be so loud? They were apparently drawn to the smallest amount of light because once the headlamps were off, the gnawing sounds subsided, thankfully. Out on the trail, it’s easy to be fascinated by what’s right in front of you. It’s approaching life and the world the way my toddler granddaughters do – pausing to watch ants walk by, or intrigued by the colors of the rocks in the yard. There is so much beauty everywhere.

12. The Power of Perspective – Or - Look Up – See the Hawk; Look Down – See the Frog. There is, always, so much to see and experience. It feels like our worlds somehow narrow when we follow the same routine day after day after day. On the trail, it’s 360 degree living, so much to see in every direction. It’s also a moment to moment choice: I can sit in my living room gazing out the window and see the beauty of the trees swaying in the breeze – or only “see” the to-do list being mentally transcribed inside my head, not really seeing what’s right in front of me. Is it possible to extend our vision to include seeing the unexpected? Being open to see. Open to being surprised and delighted.

13. Surprise and Delight – Allow Yourself To Be Welcomed and Received. Enveloped in the darkness of a cloudy night, I sat under the tall trees, physically exhausted and emotionally content. I sat on the ground with my back against a thick log, talking with the trees and Nature, silently expressing gratitude for the blessings of the day. After some time, I turned on my headlamp to move from where I was into the tent. The beam of light invited a bat to swoop down over my right shoulder. It was too fast for me to see but I knew it must be a bat – and I felt a wave of warmth and welcome that makes no logical sense. I felt myself as a part of my surroundings. As one-with. No longer a visitor, or invader. I smiled as I went through my new bedtime routine, surrounded by trees and who-knows-what critters of the night. Another version of myself would have felt afraid. I felt more at home then I do in my home.

14. See Your Badass Self. My dear hiking buddy and I see ourselves as mostly quiet and timid. But there we were, setting up camp at the top of a big-ass mountain that we had hiked after an already long day of hiking, carrying packs weighted down by extra water (to make it through the long miles with no water sources). Yes, we were a little delirious but it was undeniable that we had some badass in us. I think we high-fived and laughed. There, on our own, at the top of the mountain. Literally. Setting up camp, cooking dinner, tired and happy. Sometimes our images of ourselves need to be erased. How so others see you, especially through eyes of love and admiration? Maybe try thatimage on for awhile. See your badass self. See yourself competent, capable, content, connected and so very alive.

Feel free to share any lessons you’ve learned along the way in the comments below.

Many blessings for this new calendar year.

: )

P.S. My hiking buddy/cousin/dear friend Ana Fagan deserves a huge shout-out. Some of these are actually her inspiration. Thank you!!!! Here's to many more miles!