Hiking/walking is like breathing for me. It is essential to my life and I cannot imagine living without being able to do so. Most of my hiking is solo, and I like it that way best. There are a few people I like to hike with, and they are much the same, they enjoy the land, the four connections Robin Wall Kimmerer mentions in her quote, and they do not talk and talk about mundane things as we move along. This is a sacred time for me.
I feel similarly about my daily walks and hikes. Like you, I generally prefer solo as it's often a time for me think freely about things but I am easily distracted by blooms, animal tracks in the snow or incredible views! Thanks for sharing your experience.
For the past 23 years, I’ve followed along the perimeter of my neighborhood out into the open high desert that surrounds the city. This daily ritual grounds me to earth and sky and spirit. I’ve started mornings and ended many evenings delighted by marching families of quail with their tiny babies waddling behind, red tail hawks building and then protecting their annual nests, scampering coyote trying to sneak back to their hidden dens, and the usual bunnies, lizards, and only twice a snake! I’ve witnessed some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets on these walks. I’ve witnessed monsoon seasons with their giant thunderheads rising above the horizon and their annual return has become a much welcomed advent filling dry washes with rainwater, reminding me that hope can spring eternal. I’ve seen the dry desert flora return to its green and burst open with beautiful succulent flowers in bright red, yellow, orange, and snowy white. Yet, the most blessed part of this daily walk is that it is the hour that I listen. Really listen. And when I am quiet, the answers come, my mind resets, and I can begin again. Although not an actual hike, daily walks bring me pleasure.
I’m just now beginning a steady practice exploring the mountain trails of AZ. So much diversity in its vast geography! I find myself inspired and intrigued!
Incidentally, my Italian grandfather never learned to drive a car. He walked everywhere as he was used to doing in Italy. I consider this one of the legacy blessings I’ve received…the way walking in nature connects us body, soul, and spirit and keeps the heart healthy too!
Hiking/walking is like breathing for me. It is essential to my life and I cannot imagine living without being able to do so. Most of my hiking is solo, and I like it that way best. There are a few people I like to hike with, and they are much the same, they enjoy the land, the four connections Robin Wall Kimmerer mentions in her quote, and they do not talk and talk about mundane things as we move along. This is a sacred time for me.
I feel similarly about my daily walks and hikes. Like you, I generally prefer solo as it's often a time for me think freely about things but I am easily distracted by blooms, animal tracks in the snow or incredible views! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you Sue and Diane! Sooooooo much GOOD STUFF here! 😄
Also, I love the list of your favorite hikes and each description.
For the past 23 years, I’ve followed along the perimeter of my neighborhood out into the open high desert that surrounds the city. This daily ritual grounds me to earth and sky and spirit. I’ve started mornings and ended many evenings delighted by marching families of quail with their tiny babies waddling behind, red tail hawks building and then protecting their annual nests, scampering coyote trying to sneak back to their hidden dens, and the usual bunnies, lizards, and only twice a snake! I’ve witnessed some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets on these walks. I’ve witnessed monsoon seasons with their giant thunderheads rising above the horizon and their annual return has become a much welcomed advent filling dry washes with rainwater, reminding me that hope can spring eternal. I’ve seen the dry desert flora return to its green and burst open with beautiful succulent flowers in bright red, yellow, orange, and snowy white. Yet, the most blessed part of this daily walk is that it is the hour that I listen. Really listen. And when I am quiet, the answers come, my mind resets, and I can begin again. Although not an actual hike, daily walks bring me pleasure.
I’m just now beginning a steady practice exploring the mountain trails of AZ. So much diversity in its vast geography! I find myself inspired and intrigued!
Incidentally, my Italian grandfather never learned to drive a car. He walked everywhere as he was used to doing in Italy. I consider this one of the legacy blessings I’ve received…the way walking in nature connects us body, soul, and spirit and keeps the heart healthy too!
What a wonderful sharing of you daily dip into the desert! Thank you.
Thank you for this inspiring post.