What Hiking Teaches Us About Ourselves

B Y J A I M E P U R I N T O N

After my hiking accident in 2014 where I sustained a traumatic injury, dislocating and shattering all three ankle bones, I have been on an epic journey to learn more about myself and heal those parts that need healing beyond my physical body. During my recovery I was wheelchair bound for a couple months and I was forced to sit alone with my thoughts. I couldn’t escape them with my usual way of avoiding them by keeping myself way too busy. It was then I had a painful awakening of sorts and realized my life wasn’t really going the way I wanted it to. In fact, I was allowing some pretty unhealthy habits that had started to take over who I truly was.

Pre-injury I was a mess emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I had major anxiety which had manifested into OCD and frequent panic attacks. I was a huge people pleaser- I didn’t know how to say no, and I had no idea what a boundary was. These actions were in response to me wanting to be loved, even if that meant giving up my own needs and hiding behind a mask to ensure I was loved by everyone around me. I was neglecting my own needs to be liked- and that was my way of manipulating those around me. It wasn’t the real me, I wasn’t being authentic, and I was betraying myself every time I said yes when I wanted to say no. I was creating unhealthy relationships that compounded my stress and anxiety. I felt the energy building up inside of me and knew my life had to change, but I didn’t know how to make the changes. Then I broke my ankle. That was the gift from the Universe I needed at just the right time to start my healing.

Since then, I have learned a lot about myself and who I really am. I have learned what I want in life and how to make that happen. I am learning how to release the emotional wounds that led to living in survival mode and becoming a people pleaser because that is what I thought I needed to survive. I am living authentically and sharing my truths and putting myself first. I have had many teachers on this journey, but one of my biggest teachers has been hiking. The time spent on my own two feet in nature has had some pretty profound effects on me emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Those lessons are priceless. The biggest lessons I have learned from the trail are:

I am strong.

If you have ever stood on top of a mountain, or finished a long, tough hike you know what strong feels like. I remember all the pain and tears I endured on many trails to get me to the point where I feel this strong, like I can climb any mountain on or off the

trail. That strength goes beyond my physical body and includes my mental strength as well. I can’t tell you how many times my mind wanted to give up before my body did on some of the most challenging hikes. It takes a great amount of mental strength to overcome the non-stop chatter in my head that tries to convince me I can’t make it. This lesson in physical and mental fortitude crosses into my life off the trail as well. It has taught me that when life gets hard, I know I am strong enough to get through it. I know I can do anything I put my mind to.

I am brave.

Before my accident, I had so much fear. I was afraid of heights, afraid of hiking alone, afraid of not being liked after speaking my truth, and the list went on and on. Hiking has taught me how good it feels to be brave. How good it feels to have the courage to release the fears that kept me shackled to what I perceive as “safe”. I have learned it’s okay to step outside my comfort zone, and every time I do my perception changes. I have learned, with experience, the courage to hike with heights, the courage to hike alone, and the courage to speak my truth, even if I think someone might not like me for it. I have learned what being free from your fears feels like and it is an amazing feeling to have.

I am connected.

Hiking is one of the only times I truly feel connected to my higher self, where I feel like I am the real me. No societal expectations, skewed perceptions, insecurities, emotional walls, self-made masks, or self-doubt cloud that connection when I am on the trail. Hiking has taught me how to become one with myself, with the earth, and with source consciousness and how to tap into a connection that is so powerful, it is truly healing and magical.

I am confident + empowered.

Being able to make important decisions with confidence and being my own advocate for my needs is a strong lesson hiking has taught me both on and off the trail. When hiking multiple days, with high mileage, and a lot of elevation gain, taking care of my own needs is a must for not only my comfort but my survival as well. Making decisions for myself- like what to pack, when and what to eat, where to dig my cat hole, how much water to carry, whether to cross a river using a log or wading determine whether or not I am able to complete my hike safely. This truly builds my confidence and allows me to be self-empowered. This spills over into my life off the trail when I am making important life decisions and am able to make them with confidence and for the benefit of my highest good.

I am healthy.

Hiking is my self care and self care is one of the healthiest habits I have adopted since my accident. Self care has drastically improved my stress levels, reduced depression, reduced anxiety, and increased my positive thoughts. I have started out many hikes feeling anxious and/or depressed only to come back to the car feeling 1000 times better both physically and mentally. Making time for myself is always first on my list.

I love myself.

Regular hikes provide an opportunity for me to show up for myself even when I feel shame, unworthiness, or self hatred. Hikes nurture and cultivate the love I have for myself deep within and allow me to open my heart and spread that energy with the world. Nature's energy is strong and healing and it reminds us we all come from love and are love.

Through all the lessons I have learned from hiking I have been able to redesign my life- or rather start living the life I was meant to. It inspired me to follow my dream and gift of writing. They gave me the confidence and experience to mentor others and help them find their own calling in life. They also showed me there is hope, and it's okay to feel happy and joy, and that magic happens every single day when you are open to receiving it.