shared from: http://dannythereflectionofperfection.blogspot.com
The mountains are calling and I must go.”
A night under
stars, a walk in a forest, a dip in a lake, a chat around a fire. As
John Muir said, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The
winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their
energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” The sheer beauty
of nature will converse with your soul and fill you with a sense of
wonder. The tiniest wildflower to the grandest mountains can energize
the spirit. Go on a day hike, or a camping trip or a backpacking trip.
I enjoy a good backpacking trip.
You carry only what you absolutely need and it's amazing how everything you need, including food, can fit in a backpack. It strips away the excesses in our lives. It makes you wonder, why do we have so much stuff. You connect with nature, you connect with your creator. You are far away from everything. Importantly, no phones and internet. You can check out Little Skippy's baby pics or find out what the NSA is up to when you get back home. You are present in the moment at that place. You have the time and the attention span to see the sun set slowly behind a mountain or into the ocean, to feel the wind, to smell the forest, to hear the birds. You feel small sleeping under the galaxy of stars. You hear the silence of the night. The simplicity and the solitude can open your mind to new perspectives on life, to being more thankful for your blessings, to appreciate the unappreciated, to delve on the mysteries of the universe. Life need not be a to-do list everyday. Let it be a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.
You carry only what you absolutely need and it's amazing how everything you need, including food, can fit in a backpack. It strips away the excesses in our lives. It makes you wonder, why do we have so much stuff. You connect with nature, you connect with your creator. You are far away from everything. Importantly, no phones and internet. You can check out Little Skippy's baby pics or find out what the NSA is up to when you get back home. You are present in the moment at that place. You have the time and the attention span to see the sun set slowly behind a mountain or into the ocean, to feel the wind, to smell the forest, to hear the birds. You feel small sleeping under the galaxy of stars. You hear the silence of the night. The simplicity and the solitude can open your mind to new perspectives on life, to being more thankful for your blessings, to appreciate the unappreciated, to delve on the mysteries of the universe. Life need not be a to-do list everyday. Let it be a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.
A few practical notes for aspiring
backpackers. First, safety. After all, you are in the wilderness.
Respect nature. Never keep food or cosmetics in tent at night. You don't
want a bear or a raccoon to be your tent buddy. Never hike alone. There
is always a chance something might go wrong. Be prepared. Then there is
the gear – tent, sleeping bag, backpack, stove etc. Also, physical
fitness. You should be able to carry a 40lb pack for a few miles
without seeing black spots in front of your eyes. Learn to read maps and
use a compass, in case your GPS fails you. If this sounds too much, try
car camping and do day hikes. They will still give you opportunities to
sit by a lake and watch the ripples go everywhere and nowhere. You can
watch the clouds forever journeying as the mountains watch as mute
spectators. You can listen to the trees whispering and the waterfalls
roaring. You can enjoy the warmth and peace that flows from a crackling
campfire. You will realize some of the best things in life are free.
We are part of the earth and it is part of us. Go out there, connect with your ancestors and with your descendents. “The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
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