Hiking: Nature’s Purest Therapy A Beginner’s Guide to Day Hiking by rachel tsao | design by stephanie yang
Turn off the lights when leaving the room; bring reusable shopping bags to the grocery; reduce meat consumption; recycle more… We all know of ways to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. However, the environmental consequences of our actions can seem abstract and intangible, especially with the effects often not being immediately visible. As a result, some of us may not feel so eager about protecting the Earth. Maybe, then, we should take a more personal approach to addressing environmental issues.
total wellness ▪ spring 2018
I had the opportunity to visit several National Parks this year, and it was during those moments of physically being in nature and witnessing its beauty that I truly began to internalize the urgency of environmental problems like climate change and global warming. When strolling through the soaring redwoods in Redwood National Park, or sitting on a cliff overlooking the massive sandstones in Zion National Park, I experienced for the first time what it means to be completely immersed in nature. In particular, I learned to appreciate all the simple pleasures in our natural surroundings–the serenading sounds of birds, the caressing wind, the crunching of leaves beneath my feet, the fresh air… Being in such a pristine environment allowed me to connect with my roots to this Earth, thereby instilling in me a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve its sacredness. Perhaps one of the best ways to be in touch with nature is through hiking. Hiking is not only an effective total-body workout, but also a mental and spiritual journey of reconnecting with nature and our true selves. There’s really nothing more awakening than being surrounded by nature in its purest form, and embracing the rare moment of silence and clarity, especially in today’s world of constant stimulation. Read on for a quick guide for your next hiking adventure. Hopefully by the end of your mindful stroll (or treacherous hike) on the trails, you will also experience a newfound sense of awareness of your roles and responsibilities in the natural world.
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