The Power Of Hiking | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Power Of Hiking

Hiking is a time to open your eyes, mind and heart.

30
The Power Of Hiking
Emily Hill

It is 6:00 a.m. that means time to hit the trails so you can hope to catch some cool breezes before the summer heat sets in. All you need are sneakers, water, protein filled snacks, a trail map and if you're a photography nerd like me, then you'll probably bring a good camera.

You finally have this time to just open your hearts, minds, bodies and eyes with a new experience. A complete escape from the stresses and tedious routine of daily life tasks. It's just you and the trail. Every turn you take can be an opportunity to leave behind something that is holding you back. It may be two, five or 10 miles. No matter what the distance is you're likely to encounter some obstacles along the way. Trees to jump over, snakes and bugs all try to impede on the experience. Not kidding, I've had to get on all fours before to scale the side of a rock. For some reason, you almost feel one with nature and these things that used to seem like obstacles become more conquerable. You're one with nature. The air is fresher. You can take a deep breath in and feel completely at peace with the world and yourself.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have grown up hiking with my dad. My mom has had injured feet so she has always let it be me and my dad's tradition. I have hiked with him for over 10 years now. As I get older and have work or internship commitments, it can be difficult to find the time, but no matter where we are I do some research and find a trail. It is truly special when you can find someone who you can hike with. It's someone who can be positive about not giving up no matter how hard the hike can get. It's someone who loves you even when you are sweaty and smelly at the end of the day. It's someone who motivates you to challenge yourself. It's someone who can appreciate the silence, but also knows how to create deeper conversations.

My favorite part about hiking is leading up to the reward of the view. In life, you need some sort of gratification to overcome challenges. At your job, you look for your paycheck. On a run, you look for physical fitness results. Cooking a meal, you create something delicious and beautiful to eat. Everything you do you try to find gratification. However, the gratification of completing a hike is different. The feeling can't quite be described. You spend hours twisting and turning through trails with nothing in sight, unsure of what the gratification is going to be. You have the footprints of the trail behind you and an unpaved path of what lies ahead. You're only surrounded by nature. A pure scenic bliss.

The time comes when the front of the trail has an opening. This is the part everyone waits for. That pit in your stomach appears. You're not really sure what the opening will introduce, but you are excited and eager to find out. You know you've made it and in that moment you feel accomplished, relieved and maybe a little thirsty. As you get closer the trees start to disappear and you feel like you are in the middle of a GoPro advertisement. You are quite frankly, on top of the world. Sometimes you can see little towns or homes below you, skiing trails or sometimes it's just endless mountain ranges. If you weren't breathless from the hike, then you sure are now.

I always inch over towards the edge and just sit there taking it in. At this point there is never really anything on my mind, just contentment. Part of you doesn't want to turn around and have to hike back to reality. You want to stay up there looking at the world from above. You can't see any of the chaos and conflicts from here.

Whether you're in Vermont, Florida, Colorado, California or North Carolina, there is a way to find a hike. The gratification might not always be mountains, but if you are in good company, then it will always be rewarding. Not to mention it's a full body workout. So research for a hike near you, wake up early and go experience it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198381
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19753
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461555
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28687
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments