We have been fortunate enough to do a bunch of hiking lately. For both of us, as former college athletes, this is a great way to get some exercise and see this beautiful country from unique perspectives.
As a new hiker, I am learning a lot on the trails. I’ve learned which socks are my favorite, how to tie my boots, and that I am much more agile with a hydration pack on my back than carrying a bottle of water. I need to breathe differently on hills than on flat areas, and the teriyaki vegan jerky made by Primal is the best flavor.
I have learned not only about myself but also about human behavior, tendencies, and the things we need to make it through.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Lesson #1: Age is Just a Number
Being a full-time camping family means that we see a lot of retired people in our travels. The reality is that most people have neither the resources, time, or ability to travel in this way until they are older. This means that many of our fellow travelers are the same age as our parents. What has been most surprising about that fact is that, most often, we see them on the sides of cliffs and mesas! A good percentage of our fellow hikers on these trails are in their seventies. One couple, definitely in their eighties, smoked by us on a hike and weren’t even out of breath!
Sue and I have always said that we don’t want to wait until we are retired to travel and experience the world. We want to be able to physically and safely do the things we want to do, and we know that isn’t a guarantee as we get older.
And, still, it is remarkable how many people ARE doing these things in their sixties, seventies, and eighties!
And, at least in the national parks, I have been impressed with the efforts to increase accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. More and more places are offering guided hikes. There have been elevators and ramps and accessible restrooms more frequently than I would have guessed. And, more and more places are offering driving loops for folx who want to experience the park while in a car or bus. Yay for more accessibility for everyone!!!
Lesson #2: People Won’t Ask for Help
But you can still offer help to people. It is their choice whether or not to take the help. Maybe they really can make it down that ladder on the side of a cliff. Maybe they need to prove to themselves that they are strong and capable. Maybe they’re embarrassed. Whatever the reason, most people won’t ask for help. But some will accept it if you offer.
We were hiking in Fisher Towers in Utah, and there was a tour group of women in their sixties and seventies hiking too. One woman was struggling and decided to turn back. On our way out, Susan noticed that she was alone and having a tough time. She asked if the woman wanted our help, and for us to walk with her. She said no. So now we found ourselves at an impasse - we could either stop and let her continue, or walk super fast to leave her be. Instead, we decided to strike up conversation. We, the three of us, walked with each other the rest of the way, and talked the whole time. Sue even offered her shoulder a few times for the woman for some scramble parts of the hike. And she leaned on Sue to make her way.
Sometimes we don’t need help. Sometimes we just need community. And sometimes we need help we didn’t realize was there.
Lesson #3: I Have Short Legs
That’s it. My legs are pretty short. My wife’s legs are longer. The end.
Lesson #4: I am (We All Are) Simultaneously Powerful and Insignificant
I am pretty good at climbing things! I have very strong legs, and my core is getting stronger, and my will to get to the next step, and another and another, is stronger than all of it! I’m so grateful to have a body that allows me to do these physically challenging feats of effort. I am powerful (so are you).
And, there is nothing quite like the feeling of sitting atop a summit and looking out across a canyon. Or to stand at the base of a mountain. Or to see specks of other people and hear their voices carrying on the breeze, and realize they are where you were just a moment ago. I can feel an immense sense of belonging when I watch the sun rise over the land and know that it will happen every single day, whether I am there or not.
I am so small compared with the vastness of this world, and this universe. So many rhythms and ebbs and flows happen every second, and none of it has to do with me. Isn’t that remarkable?!
Lesson #5: We Can Do Hard Things
Yes, I did steal that from Glennon Doyle (whom I adore). We can do hard things. I mean this in a physical sense, yes, but also in a spiritual and mental sense. Human beings are incredibly resilient and adaptable. We can make it through some tough stuff, and still make it out on the other side.
While on the trail I have argued with myself about whether any of the hike is worth it. I have been annoyed that I am more out of shape than I’d like to be. I have gotten frustrated when my asthma flares up, or I slip, or I want to give up and call a cab. I have rolled my eyes at my wife who never, ever seems to be out of breath - like ever.
And, I am learning to embrace my own strength and ability. I may not do things the same way as others. I may need my inhaler to get through. I may stop to catch my breath more than my spouse (really, it’s super annoying). But, ultimately, I’m not racing anyone.
I can do hard things. So can you.
This week’s Invitation to Deepening: Which of these lessons resonates most with you in this moment? How do you see it showing up in your life?
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