Take a Hike! What Nature Taught Me About Healing

​“Of the paths you take in life, make sure some of them are dirt.” ~ David Muir
From a very young age I found myself drawn to nature. The Adventures of the Wilderness Family was one of my favorite movies when I was a young girl of five. After seeing it, I dreamed of living just like they did—off the land. Of course, at that age, I didn't really understand what that meant. I would spend hours outdoors, recreating scenes from the movie. I truly believe that’s when I discovered my passion for being in nature. Growing up, I spent most of my days outdoors from sunrise to sunset. My neighborhood was filled with opportunities to explore and play in nature. I spent many days walking the creek with my friends, detailing the story of the Lady in White that had been passed down from the older kids in the hood. We would walk for what seemed like miles getting lost in the tall pines, when in reality, we were always in earshot of our parents’ call. We constructed elaborate forts and even got run off by a crazy old guy that said we were trespassing. My first extended time away from home was Girl Scout camp. At first, I was homesick, but by the middle of the week, I couldn’t get enough of being in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, sleeping in a canvas tent, and hiking endlessly.  These experiences are forever etched in my memory. Even sounds and smells take me back to those moments. Smellmories I call them. The earthy, sweet aroma of cottonwoods in the spring, or the gentle trickle of a creek, immediately transport me back to the age of 9.
As a young mom, I wanted my boys to experience the same magic. We spent many days exploring parks and even took up Geocaching when they were in grade school. Those times with my boys, wandering endlessly looking for hidden treasures and even getting lost in the woods are some of my best memories as a mom. As they got older, we had sling shot contests and paintball battles in the woods. They loved to tease me and make fun of my “abilities”, but I didn’t care, we had a blast! And I cannot wait to have similar adventures with my grandson one day soon.
The little nature explorer is now in her 50s and still exploring. Recently, as I hiked in Arkansas, I recalled those childhood memories, and how important being in nature was to me. I realized in that moment that nature is where I feel whole and most myself. It no longer brings up desires of wanting to live in a cabin off the land; instead, it strips me down to my truest essence. Every time I experience a new trail, it opens a doorway of healing for me. Nature is so true, no matter what it endures, there are lessons in resilience, growth and healing. And when hitting the trail, I experience a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, just as when embarking on a healing journey. Uncertainty, but also hope. Recognizing the need for change and growth, even though the path ahead is unknown. The trails I conquer signify the journey, with their varied terrains and obstacles. The hike itself mirrors the process of inner growth. The effort and persistence required to move forward on the path are akin to the perseverance necessary for healing, which can be just as tiring. Each step forward, no matter how small, signifies progress. Hiking often brings a sense of mindfulness as I focus on my surroundings, my breath and each step I take. Similarly, healing involves becoming more aware of my thoughts, emotions and actions. Staying present in the moment and appreciating even the smallest victory along the way is crucial. Reaching the summit through challenges and hardships leads me to the ultimate destination: the self.
Nature slows my thoughts, leading to moments of realization that might not have happened elsewhere. Even though I am physically challenging myself, my mind focuses more on being present and at one with my surroundings. Reaching the end of the hike, I feel physically tired but mentally rejuvenated, with a sense of accomplishment and clarity. In the same way, growth brings wisdom, strength, and peace.
My love for hiking and my journey of healing and growth will be forever. Each hike represents a new challenge, just as each phase of life brings new opportunities for the things that truly matter to me. Returning to the place where I am truly me, the little nature explorer. Every time I am in nature, something gets stripped away and I am made whole again. And when I reach the end of this life’s journey, I hope that I have the magic inside me that calls me back to nature from where I come. 

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