Meditation

Hiking is my meditation.

I’m most at east walking amongst the rivers and trees… excuse the rhyme… it’s just the truth. My shoulders are no longer at my ears. My heart rate isn’t spiking while standing still, anticipating a social interaction. I don’t have to entertain. An elevated heart rate is simply caused by physical exertion… a big elevation gain or unexpected stumble.

The best trails are empty trails. Just me and Emmy. Watching her butt skirts bounce jovially along, becoming fluffier, more poofy and frizzy with each body of water she enters, whether a pond, a stream, a lake, a puddle. She frequently whips her head around, mid trot, to make sure I’m still close and moving. I reassure her as I step, one foot in front of the other, that I’m coming and, “You’re a good girl. You’re my best friend.” My constant commentary to her, whether about where we’re going or what I’m thinking… goes uninterrupted. No unexpected audience. Just her cute butt bouncing in front of me and her tongue floppy wildly as she turns to listen.

The soft pounding of each step over the dirt strewn trail or the gentle crunch of pine needles as I move along. The rush of wind through the trees and trickle of streams interrupted often by an “oof!” “Ope…” “Aack!” as my clumsy, often lazy feet mis-navigate a rock, tree stump, or even the flat ground. Each sound is followed by a giggle and an, “Oh Emmy, I’m coming. I don’t have 4 legs… remember?”

Hiking is rewarding. The mountains alone are enough to cleanse a soul… but reaching a destination that only feet can take you? Pure magic. Each step… a connection with the Earth… bringing you somewhere few others have seen by the power of their own feet. A willingness and desire to push on… to get that view… will there be a view? Just over the next ridge… maybe the next?

I’m more at ease with the wildlife and unpredictability of nature than I am with humans of everyday life. Nature can be cruel, yes, but beautiful always. Nature calms my nerves and feeds my soul.

Hiking is my meditation.