Beyond the Trailhead

The western United States is blessed with beautiful mountain ranges, parks and wilderness areas. These American treasures serve many purposes, but one so human is the natural medicine they offer for the human psyche. They can lift the human spirit like a great symphony. When you experience fatigue, boredom, loneliness or some other human trouble, they offer unique health restoring medications.

In James A. McKenna’s book, Black Range Tales, he tells that the Apaches believed the hot springs in the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico were good for rheumatism and other ailments including pneumonia and fevers. It is hardly a secret that physical and psychological healings can be found in theses wild places. How do I know? I am a witness of their free gifts. I keep going back.

Recently, when I visited the Gila, I had two goals for going there. First, I needed to attend a conference of the Continental Divide Coalition held in Silver City. However, the most important reason was to get my self-prescribed medication for “wilderness desire,” as I call it. It’s that yearning for the sights, sounds and pristine feelings found in the mountains and sprawling wildernesses of the western states. The Gila, like other wild places, offers healing free for the taking. I had to go capture it.

Late one evening in the Mark Twain National Forest in Southwest Missouri, I had gone into the forest to think and write. While I was there, my spirit was suddenly lifted and nourished by the approaching night and the change of guard and the magic it displays. The following poem was written as I observed the change. It helps explain what is meant by its title.

The Healing Woods

I raised my eyes and cocked my ear And suddenly began to hear The coming of night and change of guard As west lights fell and silhouettes marred Robins were scurrying to cedar roosts Owls began with evening hoots But I, I sat watching as Snow Geese flew north Their airstream mission bursting forth Everything seemed busy in a singular way Changing with change creeping its way I waited as night became dark and deep Before leaving the hallowed place- To let it live and sleep

If by chance you go to a wilderness place searching for its healing ways, remember to let it speak through your senses. Listen closely to the songs it shares, the smells floating around you as meandering cool breezes play with tree leaves and grassy fields. Be aware of both strange and familiar smells. Capture its beauty and independence, its blossoms and thorns, its gifts and challenges, its freedom and demanding rules. As the poem says, you will probably be going back to the healing woods.

GOING BACK TO THE HEALING WOODS

Into the healing woods I ran Where crowds were far away, Where sunshine, snow and rain Cleanse with nature’s play. Where senses feel the touch Of forest smells and taste, Inside the healing woods Where spirits quietly wait. Along the fields by crystal streams Where quail and meadowlarks sing, I feel so loved and blessed Sharing the healing songs they bring. Later I walked to an open field Listening for the meadowlarks. I knew they would bring peace Where life had become lost and dark. Their songs rang out melodious and clear Telling me I was free. I stood listening, transformed, Accepting the healing medicine meant for me.

—Chet Dixon is a businessman, philanthropist, and published author of multiple works, including the poetry collections Beyond the Trailhead, Affections Not Sleeping, and Skipping Rocks on Water. He resides near Branson, Missouri, but his heart lives in the western wilderness.