Lessons From the Trail

pammunkholm

I’ve been to the mountains. I found towering trees, rushing water and the best campsite ever!

And I learned a few lessons along the way.

1)We don’t always know what the path will look like when we start. But trails can be both beautiful and hard.

Brent and I hiked a lot over the last week. Most of the trails started with barely an incline and on clearly marked, wide paths. Zero of them stayed that way. All of them led to exceptional views well worth the effort.

2)Nature can catch our attention with beautiful things when we don’t have energy for anything else.

On a hike I often get to the point when I’m not sure how much more I can do. I’m tired. My legs hurt. I’m sweating profusely and feeling gross. Then nature catches my eye and my focus shifts.

3)Who you choose to share the trail with is a serious decision. Choose those who lift you up and make you smile.

My trail partner for the last 27 years.

4)My nervous system requires times of being immersed in nature.

I feel stronger and healthier when I am on mountain tops and in quiet forests.

5)Some days are for exploring. Some days are for surviving. (Both can and should include trees)

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to share forest therapy and life with chronic illness going forward. Less sitting at a computer trying to explain everything perfectly. More getting outside, walking trails, noticing things, experimenting, learning and bringing you along.

I’m not quite ready for what’s coming next.

But I’m getting there. Details to come.

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Published by pammunkholm

Forest bathing guide 🌲 and collector of chronic illnesses 🤷‍♀️

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