3 Things Climbing A Mountain Will Teach You
This week I spent some time in the North Vancouver area doing a lot of hiking and walking through the luscious trees, basking in the beauty of Mother Nature. In six days I hiked up Grouse Mountain, via the trail called Grouse Grind, three times. This path is considered to be Mother Nature's stair master as it consists of a blend of natural and man made stairs all the way to the top of the roughly three kilometre hike.
As I hiked this trail for the third time I took time to reflect on the lessons I have learned while
climbing this beautiful trek and thought they might have meaning to you:
1) Slow and steady wins the race. You have heard this one before...likely the first time in the story of the tortoise and the hare but have you ever thought how true it actually is? As I was hiking today a lady was there with her two little girls. One of the girls was complaining and asking, "can't we just take a break?" Her mom replied, "take it one step at a time...slow and steady." How true is this. She was telling her daughter that they didn't need to rush but that they would get to the top sooner if they just took it one step at a time at a good pace. This was a good lesson for me because during this hike I was trying hard to beat my time from two days ago. I would go fast then have to stop and be frustrated that I had to stop. So, I slowed my pace a little, after being reminded of this lesson, and was able to keep going, without stopping, until I made it to the top of the mountain.
The lesson here is that it's ok to take things slow and consistent, which will allow you to be more effective with the task, or goal, you are trying to accomplish, rather than trying to rush and have to stop because you have made mistakes or get burned out. For example, if you have a goal to lose weight rather than looking for the quick fix, that may allow you to lose weight fast but result in you putting more weight back on in the long run, choose a healthier path. One that allows you to make healthy choices, see results little by little and live life in a way that is sustainable for the long term.
2) It's not the end game that matters but the journey that got you there. As I hiked Grouse Mountain, and was working on beating my time, all I could think about was, "I have to get to the top as fast as I can." While thinking this my head was down and all I did was look at the ground. Although I saw some cool things, like the natural rocks that acted like stairs or the pretty cool man-made stairs, I didn't pay any attention to what was going on around me. Then, I heard a guy say to his friend, "check that out!" I stopped for moment to look back and saw an absolutely beautiful view of downtown Vancouver beside the ocean peaking through the trees. It was breath taking. At that moment I reminded myself that it was ok to take a moment to stop and enjoy the journey to the top.
The lesson here is that sometimes you need to stop and enjoy the present moment, the journey you are on, rather than only focusing on the end point or your goals. Reaching the end point is great for sure but the way there is what really defines who you are. Think back on your life and where you are today. After all isn't the entire journey so far what has made you into the person you are today?
3) Taking alone time is essential. This morning I hiked Grouse Mountain alone as my boyfriend didn't feel like going. So, rather than missing out on my last opportunity to hike this beautiful mountain I went alone. I knew that this time alone would give me the chance to be with my own thoughts almost like a moving meditation of sorts. It was glorious. I personally love spending time alone. It is one of the things I cherish most in my day since I don't get a lot of it, yet I know so many people who are terrified to be alone. By taking time alone you get to be fully present with yourself. You can tune out the outside world and not be effected by what others are saying or doing around you. The reason this is scary for most people is because it's during this alone time, quiet time, that our innermost feelings start to come up. Thoughts and feelings from the past that may not be pleasant begin to rise and ask for you for undivided attention. It is at this time you get to make a choice...1) run from these thoughts and feelings, or 2) pay attention to them, give them what they need and let them go. Option number two is the secret to having a sense of freedom and happiness in your life.
The lesson here is take every opportunity you can to be alone and present with yourself. Take care of your thoughts and feelings without distractions from the outside world and watch yourself expand and grow into the person you desire and are meant to be.
In conclusion, taking some time to be in nature will help clear your mind and teach you about life. Nature is one of the biggest gifts we have been given while here on planet earth and we must respect and cherish it as much as we can.
Please take the time to be conscious about how you take care of this beautiful planet, and yourself, while you are here. Life is short and time is precious.
Until next time,
Namaste,
Rachel Joy Olsen, BSc., MBA
