It’s the perfect time of year for a contemplative walk in the woods. It does my heart good, literally, to fill my daypack with a turkey sandwich, trail mix, and fruit, load in my two 32 oz. Nalgene water bottles, treats for my doggo (remember Zoe?) and hit the ground in my well-worn boots. From flat boardwalks - like the ones that wind through the Leach Botanical Garden, to the dusty, scenic vistas of Powell Butte Nature Park, our hometown has a plethora of trail experiences, with something for any day hiker.
Growing up in heavily populated, bustling, Brooklyn, New York I’ve always sought refuge in the great outdoors. Surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and leaves rustling in the wind, hiking allows me to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings, while also invoking feelings of peace and tranquility that often elude me in my everyday life. Gratitude and humility wash over me as I fully embrace the wonder of the natural world.
Hiking also provides a source of satisfaction, personal growth, and discovery. Each ascent, every downhill, and all the wonderful meandering paths in between, spark exploration, expand my mind, and fuel my body. Allowing much needed space to reflect, set goals, and gain clarity, trekking helps me calm my mind and connect with my thoughts and feelings. Just stepping on a dirt path instantly shifts my focus from interior distractions to the steady rhythm of my footsteps. Fresh air and earthy aromas fill my senses, cool drafts refresh the body, and clean oxygen clears my mind, offering deep mental clarity and quiet escape.
Hiking improves strength, lets us see things up close that may previously had only been seen in photographs, and provides opportunity to unplug from phones and screens. The air is clearer, vitamin D boosts our immune system, AND we get a full body workout! I seek out higher elevations, as I long to take those deep, labored breaths, while letting my mind wander. It’s a feeling the gym can’t replicate. Plus, you don’t need a membership!
A good hike is an exercise in mindfulness, not just racing up and down the hill, but attending to each object passed along the way: fallen logs and exposed roots, the enormous burls protruding, like distended stomachs, from tree trunks, and everywhere there’s lichen. Approach that staggering grove of trees, decked out in their best fall foliage, breathe deep, and relax – you’ve earned it.
Unlike many other sports or outdoor pursuits, there are hikes for all levels of ability, and little equipment is required aside from sturdy shoes and a fanny or day pack. I’d recommend wearing layered, breathable fabrics, from head-to-toe, cotton won’t do, and I like cargo shorts, with lots of pockets, for lozenges, stray “keeper” rocks, and my phone, set to airplane mode, for pictures.
This fall, or anytime really, seek out your local Arboretum, Nature Preserve, or any nearby green space. Take the dog for a good, long walk, and appreciate Mother Earth in all her magnificence. You’ll benefit in myriad ways!
See ya on the trail,
Robin
