Learning to Listen: A Mindfulness lesson I learned while Hiking

I’m riding this high. I’ve been craving movement & seeking it in the wrong places. For over a year I’ve wanted to go hiking.  The delay,  my 40 year old wisdom knew to not go it alone. Coming back in one piece with no broken limbs was my top priority. 

On a Tuesday a Social media friend who hikes put out an impromptu "join me" post. I immediately messaged her asking for the time and location. I’m all in. 

I went to shop for the right shoes. 

Two hours in the store , testing for ankle support, ensuring nothing rubs my feet the wrong way.

Preparation

I didn’t want to miss this full experience, due to hurt toes or jacked up feet. The day of, elated is the only emotion that could sum me up. She said bring snacks, I packed a lunch. Add an extra layer, she says. I dressed in several layers, three actually with an extra layer in my bag and brought my high end camera. 

Clearly, overly prepared and extra as fudge. 

I drove hubs to work and then headed to the Great Falls to meet my guide.

Traveling deep into the woods there are winding roads and tall trees; Into the wilderness I head. 

When I arrive I decide to wait in my car, as I don’t know what to expect. Once everyone arrives we prepare to set off. Bathroom breaks. Clothing checks. Trail alerts. Pause.

In fact, when checking the trail alert, our guide says there was a bear cub spotted on the trail, she intended to take us on. ‘’That’s unusual considering how cold it’s been and a cub means, mama bear isn’t far behind. Do y’all mind if we drive about 20 mins to the Virgina side of the falls” our guide says.  I of course don’t mind. Immediately I trust that we are in good hands as our guide says, " given this sighting I won’t be the type of guide I’d like to be if we proceed on this trail.  I’d like to teach the you basics and create space for moments of gratitude. I’ll be on a different type of alert knowing there’s a bear nearby. I’d prefer you not encounter a bear on your first hike. “

There is wisdom in knowing yourself and being able to communicate it confidently that cultivates sisterly trust. 

Therefore we head out of one wilderness … twenty mins to another. Winding roads and uphill paths, this feels oh so familiar. 

Before we venture into the woods we are given a map. Our guide shows us the trail we will take. Explaining “ins and outs” vs. loops, the type of paths we are about to embark on. Next, she shows us blazes, which are markers that help guide us on the path. 

"Listen. What do you hear?" our guide ask. Birds, people, a plane…. Water. "Where is the water coming from?" Our left. Listening is a key practice in hiking. On this adventure, listening is a location indicator. Listening helps us understand the direction we are walking. In particular, we are walking away from The Falls. 

As I reflect on this hike I think about listening to my inner girlfriend and my body.  

I wonder, what am I listening for?

• What are my markers for how far away I am from trusting my inner knowing?

• What sounds are indicators that I’m trusting myself?

• Can I hear, decipher and discern the direction I’m headed in?

Subsequently, as we move through the trail there are absolutely stunning lookout points, places to capture mother nature’s glory along the way. Our guide also teaches us about the terrain we are on. She educates on the technical terms, foot placement and ways to navigate. Specifically I hold on to these lessons: Be okay with using more of your body, don’t be afraid to go sideways or backwards, down into the dips of the path. Lean into flexibility on this journey. 

I wonder how often we travel a path, rigid, expecting it to look a certain way, afraid to let go of  journeying exactly as we anticipate. 

Our hike, contained scrambles, peaks, valleys and two steep ass hills. The adrenaline of the moment challenged the mental limitations of what my body and mind were capable of. Gently, stepping over lines and limits that I had placed on myself. 

When we reached the top, only then did I understand the heights we’d traveled and how far we’d gone. The perspective gave meaning to the terrain. Our spurts of momentum during the climb of the last hill, now had depth, purpose and intention. 

Three women climbed together. Our guide lead us through, encouraging, training and allowing us to find our way within the confines of a safety net. As we descended back down, the trail was gentle, smooth and a tranquil reprieve to account for the work we had done. We spent time chatting about the science of nature, hiking shoes, black history and more.  Resulting in, a lull for my body to absorb the wisdom and practice of what we’d just accomplished.

Nourished

When we return to where we began, we venture over to a landmark. An indication of how high the water has risen over the century.

Listen

We are at the falls, we stroll over to a beautiful inlay of boulders, with rapids rushing through and around. It sounds glorious, it’s sight majestic. 

This is what I imagine, being a damn good friend to myself to be, an adventure.