Just got back from a week in the Berkshires, most of the time with my husband, Peter but also had some days alone. On the days I was by myself I did quite a bit of solitary hiking. While I love to hike with friends, I am also happy going alone. It is a different experience. Over two days I did two hikes that were quite challenging. The kind that take several hours including times using your hands to scrabble over rocks, navigating streams and fallen logs and climbing straight up so that your heart is pounding out of your chest. The kind I enjoy, the kind that my husband does not.
When I hike with others, especially those that are very experienced, I worry that I will hold the group up. When I hike alone, I can set the pace, stop to examine that cool purple mushroom, get a drink of water, catch my breath, look around, inhale deeply. I also like the personal challenge that hiking alone presents, both the navigational challenges as well as the challenge of so much solitude. Over the recent days' hikes, I got lost a couple times and chose side trails that I was pretty sure would go where I thought they would go; I knew the only person groaning to the “guide” would be me.
You know when you read a book, and the author talks about a bucolic scene? I think i truly experienced the meaning of this word for the first time as I sat and gazed down at the scenery before me the first day. I have been to many higher summits and have seen beautiful scenery. On many of those hikes, however, I was not alone and while I was aware of the beauty before me, this was a gentler appreciation. I gazed down on farms set in midst of mowed fields, meticulous tree lines and perhaps some evergreen farms. I took in a lake whose color i thought of as midnight with mountains rising as a backdrop. Deep sigh. If I ever doubted a higher being, this view quelled the doubts. On the second day, the winds were a little brisker so towards the top of the mountain the sound of the wind through the treetops was like a beautiful symphony. It wasn’t so strong that it was scary, but it was strong enough to be noticeable, even the grass on the floor of the forest was moving, and the sound was like the ocean waves ebbing and flowing. Magical.
I am going to confess that this was the absolute first time, since pocket sized cell phones were invented, that I hiked without once looking at mine. I challenged myself to turn the phone off completely, let myself be totally absorbed in the experience, taking in the experience undisturbed. I used the paper map when necessary. I tried to focus on calming my mind and to experience a walking meditation, giving myself over to nature and being fully present in the experience. I have long had appreciation for Thich Nat Hahn and his writings on walking meditation. He told us “To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.” It is such a challenge, yet also such a gift that we can give to ourselves. I felt grateful for the gift.
I will admit that since I was out there so long, I did find my mind racing a few times about current events and my family. I found it wandering to politics and pondered why we have devolved to a nation where vitriol and meanness is commonplace, accepted. I thought about the recent reported school shooting and then spent more time thinking about whether my younger son would find meaningful employment that allowed him to use his passionate creativity. So, with full disclosure, I did not continually meditate, and my mind wandered to things that concern me! I tried my best to draw myself back, refocusing on the beauty of my surroundings, breathing deeply – I did my resets when I stopped for water!
Our Practice – Walking and Vrksasana - Tree Pose
I am going to suggest, again, that we incorporate some mindful, meditative walking into our life. When we walk this way, even if it is to the store, through a parking lot or along the beach, we can ground ourselves in the here and now.
Go slowly, noticing your surroundings. Do not rush. letting mindfulness guide you, lighting your way. Notice your breath, start to match your even breathing to your steps. Rather than speeding along to get to your destination, the walk should be the destination, the experience. When we feel grounded in the earth (whether walking or practicing asanas), we feel solidarity with each step and know that we are right where we are supposed to be.
The walk is the joy, the experience. We do not need anything else during these moments. We experience peace and joy being alive, breathing in and out, taking our steps. We have arrived and exist in the present moment; not thinking of the events of the day that have passed, not thinking about our to do lists for later, we are present.
This too, is yoga.
After so much hiking, no other pose feels right to focus on this week than tree pose. Combine your walking meditation with short hip opening practice and enjoy this favorite pose.
Tree pose helps strengthen our core and legs and stretches our groin and opens our hips. Building balance is important especially as we age; balance, along with a strong core, will help keep us active and healthy for a long time!
Start in mountain pose (tadasana), hands at heart center. Check in with your alignment head to feet, and that your feet are rooted into the floor evenly through all four corners.
Begin to shift your weight into your right foot, lifting your left foot off the floor. Keep your right leg straight but don't lock the knee.
Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot high onto your ankle, calf or inner right thigh. If on the ankle, you can keep your toes on the floor, hip is open to the side.
Press your foot into your leg and your leg into the thigh, engage your core, focus on your drishti (focus point that is not moving). Take 5-10 breaths, adding your arms (branches).
Remember, it is most important to maintain humor, smile and breathe.
Don’t forget the other side.
Meditating - On Walking
When I am Among the Trees - Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It's simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
Side note, if you love trees and hiking, read The Overstory, by Richard Powers. (More on that another day)
Nurturing with Food – Butternut Squash Thai Red Curry Soup – New Recipe!
As we start to feel hints of fall in the air nothing tastes better than all thinks winter squash and pumpkin. I adapted this recipe from some non-vegetarian options, increased the heat (optional) and adjusted the seasonings a bit. I made this with some squash from our garden and served it with crusty bread and a salad for a meal.
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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