5 Life Lessons I Learned From Hiking (Blog)

[Erin Pavlina]

Use this thread to discuss the following entry from Erin Pavlina's blog:

5 Life Lessons I Learned From Hiking

[Bing Wu]

I'm so proud of you for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and going hiking Erin! See how rewarding it is???

[Erin Pavlina]

It was indeed. We're going again on Wed night. This time something flatter but longer. Just gotta time it right so we're not in the 100 degree weather.

[ChrisG]

Well done! See? You CAN do it!

I also went hiking for the first time recently It was in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Had a lot of fun

I literally stopped to catch my breath every couple of minutes. At first I was really disappointed with myself, but then I realized that if that was the only way to make it to the top, then I could easily accept that pace.

This self-acceptance is so important. And the whole tag-line "It's okay to stop and catch your breath" is so important too.

[thirial]

Ahhh hiking / trekking is one of my greatest passions

If all you care about is reaching the summit you’re missing the point of life and the beauty of the hike. Life is to be enjoyed, every step of the way. There may be an amazing view at the summit, but there is just as much beauty along the trail.

this is so true, and it has taken a long while for me to realise. I remember when i first started hiking i needed to take the ipod to keep me entertained until i reached the summit, then i realised that defeats the purpose of hiking which is to get away from technology and really experience nature.

If you've ever been on hikes for more than three days it becomes much like meditation as the beauty of nature and all the privations of camping take the place of that annoying mental chatter of the city which previously occupied the mind.

I run a hiking / mountain climbing company in Ecuador if you ever want to take your trekking to the next level, here are some photos of some of the beautiful places we go Ecuador Eco Adventure: The Lagoons of El Altar

[JSB]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

It was indeed. We're going again on Wed night. This time something flatter but longer. Just gotta time it right so we're not in the 100 degree weather.

Do you ever get out to Valley of Fire? My wife and I were out there earlier this year. What a beautiful place!

[Erin Pavlina]

Have not heard of Valley of Fire. Will check it out Thanks for the tip.

Ecuador sounds lovely!

[DonnaBiz]

Wow! sounds like you are really taking off in new directions. Good for you!

I got some strong metaphors while we were clearing our land to build our house. Picking out all the rocks, tree branches and disturbed tree roots is like getting all the crap out of the way for your spiritual growth.

Putting up beams - sometimes life is just HARD but you get through it.
This is a log house we built, so there's chinking in between the logs - making a solid barrier so bad elements can't get in.
Smoothing on plaster - creating balance.
Then there's painting walls - making your interior fresh and new.

Of course, a house project is never completely done, but it as been 8 years since the beginning, and we've been living here for 7. House building was a great experience, but really HUGE. I wouldn't ever undertake it again, but there were some great life lessons. I really need to put some pictures on my website. Will do soon.

I think any activity that occupies your body, but not your mind will allow insight if one is open to it. There might even be a biological connection. That's not my field, but everything is connected, right? There may be specific endorphines that trigger the mental/spiritual activity - who knows?

Good luck with the hiking. You have a beautiful chunk of Mother Earth to walk on.

[Chris_1977]

In the podcast on relationships that you did with Steve a few years ago you say that you did not enjoy hiking with him. Do you know why this is different for you now?

[Federer]

Thank you Erin!

You know, that point, the last one-soreness happens. The wound word sounds really challenging. Actually it makes you champion, right. Yes,

[Erin Pavlina]

Chris, I had gone hiking in the past and didn't like it. My feet hurt badly as I have a bad case of plantar fasciitis. So it was just oen painful step after another.

now my pain is less and my shoes are better. My feet do still hurt a little, but not too bad.

[Federer]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

Chris, I had gone hiking in the past and didn't like it. My feet hurt badly as I have a bad case of plantar fasciitis. So it was just oen painful step after another.

now my pain is less and my shoes are better. My feet do still hurt a little, but not too bad.

I guess you might have some bruises. Hope your feet are fine and you are able to find with comfort.