I recently went on a trip to central Oregon to visit some family and one of our bonding activities was going on a hike through Smith Rocks State Park. Hiking is one of my favorite activities because it is a mindful, focused, small step activity. You put one foot in front of the other along the unpredictable terrain, especially on a steep ascent or steeply declining descent. You have to step with intention so that your feet grip the earth; the mental concentration can be intense. All the while you have to take the time to stop and look up at the surrounding beauty.
When my mind is able to relax a bit and wander away from the immediacy of each step, I think about all the metaphors there are for life itself:
Small steps get us where we’re going. The persistent steps are what make the big difference. They take us to great places.
The fragility and unpredictability of life is out there with each step. There could be a loose rock underfoot, a falling rock seemingly out of nowhere. We all know life’s challenges often appear out of left field and they can hit hard.
We have so little control (in the externals of life). The forces of nature are strong. We can control how we function and manage with what we have and are given. We can also make decisions to the best of our ability at the time. The rest is left to the wind and to the forces that be.
There’s something bigger than us out there. Being surrounded by grandiose mountains is an amazing reminder that we inhabit a grand earth. There’s a majesty of nature and of God that embraces us all. Let’s embrace it and each other with the beauty that is out there.
Need something inspiring to listen to while you’re hiking? Check out my free Self Talk guided meditation here: https://soundcloud.com/dean-storer/self-talk Or, if you need help re-focusing or resetting your goals, please do not hesitate to reach out. Schedule a call at deanstorercoaching.youcanbook.me
Photo courtesy of Kalen Emsley on Unsplash