from struggle bus to summit
I used to consider myself a pretty adventurous person until I met a few friends who, for lack of better words, are just really comfortable with being uncomfortable – as in they actually CHOOSE and ENJOY this feeling, repeatedly.
When I shared with one of them that I still sometimes feel a little scared on hikes or camping trips, they asked me why, to which my response was something along the lines of, “Because it’s so unknown; there’s so much out of our control.”
To which they replied, “That’s what makes it an adventure!” (cue: charm, irritation, and curiosity about how I could shift my perspective to this more useful one).
Lately I’ve been craving comfort, but because I still enjoy a bit of adventure, I’ve been finding myself in scenarios with these sweet, brave people where I am sincerely enjoying my time, but am also admittedly on the struggle bus (cue: complaints, tears, grumpiness, discomfort).
All of my resistance and complaining aside – of which there has been enough to fill a small backpack – my exploration of movement, mindfulness, and even eco-conscious living has made me aware that difficult or inconvenient things can:
- stretch us to go the extra mile and see how capable we are (spoiler: very capable).
- challenge us to see and maybe even appreciate the light in the dark (i.e. making the most of uncertainty and discomfort, like telling jokes during a tough ascent).
The act of challenging ourselves can be especially humbling – especially in nature – because it can make us more aware of:
- what we can and cannot control (i.e. can control mood, can’t control weather)
- that which we do not yet (or might not ever) know or understand (i.e. mosquitos)
Rick Rubin said it beautifully in his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being:
“Our inability to comprehend the inner workings of the universe may actually bring us more in tune with its infinitude. The magic is not in the analyzing or the understanding. The magic lives in the wonder of what we do not know.”
Similarly: Dan Harris of Ten Percent Happier shares many mindfulness tools he learns from his meditation teachers – the one I used a lot on this hike was to experience “awe,” which can help us snap out of challenging moments.
So when we’re feeling anxious or find ourselves spiraling (i.e. How am I ever going to finish this hike / difficult task), we can revel in the miracles taking place all around us – however big or small – from moment to moment (i.e. Wow, the Alps are / nature is infinitely mysterious and spectacular – *cue: deeper, calmer breaths).
In light of the anxiety that can coincide with the changing of the seasons and the infinitude of nature / life’s uncertainties, below are some takeaways from a tough yet incredible Alpine hike I took with my partner this summer, in hopes that it might encourage us all to respect the unknown and receive its blessings as much as we can:
- Nature and all of her offerings. She literally provides us with everything we need, even if and when we don’t acknowledge her.
- Animals. They keep the ecosystem in balance, and they are [mostly] cute.
- The body. A true miracle; more intelligent and stronger than we give it credit for.
- Here’s a little 10-minute tutorial on Tadasana : mountain pose 🙂
- Walking poles / useful and humbling accessories. I once thought I was strong enough to forgo these, but I really leaned into having assistance on this particular trip and literally wouldn’t have made it without them.
- Good people. Do not take them for granted, and aim to be one of them!
- Food and shelter. We are so fortunate.
- Fresh water. We are so lucky.
- Fresh air. Re: infinite fortune and luck – let’s do our best to keep our air and water clean with more sustainable lifestyle practices.
- Sleep. Sometimes our sleep might not be as optimal as we want it to be (hit me with your camping / sleeping bag hacks), but we can be so grateful to have the opportunity to try, because we certainly wouldn’t function well without it.
- Life. We have so much to learn and so much we’ll never know (what a relief to not be expected to know everything) – it is pretty magical to be part of this Earth Circus in all of its ups, downs, and in-betweens.
Note: This heartfelt appreciation doesn’t necessarily mean that my adventure problems are solved (I am but human), but it definitely puts things in a more receptive and less resistant perspective.
What have been some gifts you’ve received during challenging, uncertain, or uncomfortable moments in your life – whether out in nature or indoors?
Take good care,
S
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