A Conscious Hike

Under The Sun

A Conscious Hike

By Quandi Jackson

Disclaimer: I do not write these passages to make you think the way I think or know in my truth. I write to encourage you to think and to help you develop a truth that influences you to live your best life.

This morning I completed a strenuous hike for the first time with a friend, who was pretty experienced on this particular California trail. As I inclined my way through the opened mountains and trees, which lined the pathway, I heard the rowdy thoughts in my head: “You know you can just turn around and go back.” The burning in my legs agreed. I stopped, focused on my breathing, and looked through the trees at the beautiful scenery just over the mountains. I knew my will to move forward and the reward of seeing the beautiful scenery from the very top would make this experience worthwhile, so I kept going.

“Ok, self, there’s no giving up. We don’t do that. There’s only one option and that’s to finish. So, let’s enjoy this experience.” I was serious about not turning back. The rowdiness in my head ceased.

Walking this hike reminded me of some great things about this event we call life. There are inclines in our lives, which may create challenge, pain, or a combination of both. But! Keep climbing. There may be rocks along the path, which you may have to climb over, walk around, or even use as a resting spot to regain your focus – but those rocks are not your destiny. Through your focused energy, you create your destiny. You can create it to be ongoing, never-ending and achieving goal after goal or you can end the trail right where you stop. These rocks – life’s hurdles – can encourage you to decide on in which direction to go; to decide to surrender to Life and trust the guidance of It.

People may be long behind you or a few feet away and soon pass you by. Keep climbing, for they are not your focus. You are your focus. They are the part of the evidence that things are possible.

Things may rumble around in the trees. Keep climbing, because behind those trees are mountains dressed in beautiful greenery – and further out – a landscape, which appear like a painting that should be hung in a museum. You can’t see those things wrestling within the trees, but you know that they are there. You hear them. These things are like those rowdy thoughts distracting you and which may throw you off the path. Don’t fret. Acknowledge the presence of those rowdy thoughts, thank them for helping you to become clear about what you truly want to experience, and then, let them go with ease and climb on.

I continued to climb the incline and heard my friend’s voice. She had hiked out of my sight, and I actually thought she was way ahead of me, but we were only about 10 minutes apart. She cheered, “Come on! You can do it! You’re almost here.” Two of the people who passed me earlier joined her to cheer me on. I pushed and pushed, and finally, I made it to the top. The scenery was even more beautiful than seeing it just pass the trees.

You’re there! There is the moment where you are now. You’re always there, but because the pushing becomes a bit tough, we aren't aware. The pushing becomes our focus. We give up. Your circumstances can appear bigger than you can withstand, but always remember that the whole Universe is on your side supporting you.

Once I made it to the top, I learned that I had another mile to go, but the most challenging part was over. The rest of the hike would be downhill from where we stood. Moving downhill is easy – an in the flow type of feel. You have much assistance from gravity, as it seems to pull you forward a bit. You’d either have to walk faster or do a light jog, it seems like. See, hiking downward is like a ball rolling downhill. The ball is in full gear. When you’re in full gear, after you’ve overcome the challenges and pain, you allow yourself to then enjoy the ride. But, enjoy the ride the whole way through. It’s the experience along the way that you’ll collect all the goodies – the lessons, insights, wisdom.

Now, just before our 2.6 mile hike ended, someone who shared the trail warned us of a black and white snake just ahead. I suggested to my friend for us to give thanks for being able to share this space with the wild. We didn’t give focus to the fear of the black and white snake and had made it to the end without even seeing it.

Our perceptions can shape our lives to be full of joyous experiences or of many challenges and pains. You can make the decision today – right where you are – to live your best life. Your path is what you create it to be. Happy trail!

Don’t allow your physical trash to interfere with your inner instructions. You’ve been under the sun with Quandi.  Balance in the celestial realm!