The last year has provided numerous opportunities for anxiety, depression, fear, and mistrust, not only on health topics related to the pandemic, but also on politics, environment and economy. When the focus is on so many aspects of life that we are unable to control, or change, it can feel overwhelming and influence us to lose sight of our strength.
My approach for maintaining sanity, storing up positivity to move forward, and recognizing the strength around me, is escaping weekly to the great outdoor world of nature. Taking the time to clear my mind and body of negativity by inhaling deeply of fresh air and coaxing my body through a vigorous hike to get my heart pumping, creates an opportunity to wipe away the distractions and fears of the week and absorb the beauty around me. I live near the Canadian Rocky Mountains and as an avid hiker I appreciate the incredible gift these mountains provide me by exemplifying strength, the importance of a solid foundation, and the perspective that obstacles can be overcome.
Experiences in the mountains foster an attitude of looking back to move forward.
By looking back at the issues of the past, or even the not so distant past of the fears of last week, while feeling my feet on the solid rocks of the mountains, and then looking forward to the future, the incredible views and the gifts that Creator has and will continue to bless us with and the opportunities ahead.
It is these moments of reflection, offering tobacco on the mountain peak, acknowledging my place in the learning journey of life, and then looking forward to the future. Looking forward to how I can be stronger, how I can live within my courage, and how I can share my journey to help those around me. It is these moments that power my ability to be resilient, provide balance in my life, and support wellness of mind, body and soul. Looking back on the journey to move forward in the journey, honoring the influence and wisdom of our relations, and focusing on our ability to not only keep on going but to reach the mountain peak.
Yesterday I summitted a mountain called Black Rock Mountain, but on the way to the peak I had to pass through a forest of blackened tree’s ravaged by a summer fire. Yet even in this stark and haunting black and white space of tree stumps, snow, and shadows, where I could still smell the soot, I could see and hear cheerful red birds working the roasted seeds from blackened pine cones.
Resilience is part of our world and part of our genetic makeup, we can choose to look for the perspective of finding the positive motivation to make the next steps in our journey forward while living our best life in a grateful way.
Kate Dunn is AnishinaabeKwe and a Graduate Student at Royal Roads University.
Picture credit: Kate Dunn
Comentarios