A little over two years ago, my family and I started back country backpacking. Being that we were new to it, I always felt uncomfortable going out to areas where it would be at least a couple of hours before we can get help if we need it. An opportunity arose for me to take a backpacking training class. For a variety of reasons, I was the only one in my family going. So Saturday morning, I woke up early, got in the car with my bag pack and drove off into the mountains. What I found most disconcerting was that I went by myself. I was surprised. Mind you, this was not a trip to the supermarket by myself, this was a trip to some unknown land at least a 2 hour drive from home by myself. I realized that many of my adventures I always had my family or at least part of my family with me. I realized that I always asked them to come along with me, not with the intention that I didn't want to be alone but rather that I was encouraging them to get out and see the world. When I got to the training camp I found out that I would be in a tent by myself. This also was a first for me. I don't think I ever recall being in a tent alone. It was truly a weekend of taking care of myself.
Call it what you may, but it seemed as if this weekend was sent to me as a life lesson to remind me of my individuality. So many times I've heard women say that they lost themselves in their families. I've heard that they do not feel they have anything of their own and they no longer had their individuality. Yes, I've even heard this from working moms and wives. I think this weekend has helped me understand that feeling. I am not looking to break away from my family and "become myself again" but learn from this weekend to remind me that I should get away sometimes where the decision making is based on my needs and desires rather then that of another.
Being alone in nature has a way of putting us back in touch with ourselves and therefore putting our lives in perspective. I always walk alone in the woods every morning to help get my head in order for the day. Many of the old cultures believed that wisdom came from the trees, and I think that nature connection is something we've lost in our modern world.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful and inspiring to read this. Makes me want to go and hike straight away - which I can't.
ReplyDeleteI try to do daily very short versions of this: going for a walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day. Since I'm self employed, I manage to do this a lot (mind you, it took me a lot of disciplin to start doing this instead of work work work). It's very good for gathering my thoughts and for feeling alive, and helping me connect with my priorities once I get lost in my working day.
I think being an individual is a very good example to set to your children, especially when you manage to connect from there.
After reading your post, I feel as if I've been walking. Thank you!