Turning relentless wind into wisdom
Mother Nature inspires me and often provides the perfect metaphor for whatever challenge I am facing. Lately I’ve intentionally taken my questions and worries to the forests and trails and mountaintops, tucking them invisibly into my backpack with my extra jacket and water.
I wasn’t sure what I’d learn on today’s hike. We were on a trail previously traveled and attempting three peaks before the forecasted wind and rain approached. It seemed all I learned was how much I miss when I am rushed. I took no pictures and we rested for a mere 10 minutes on the last peak.
As we descended the wind kept throwing me off balance. It whipped at my face and legs, the brim of my floppy sun hat plastered to my cheek and cinched tightly around my neck. The thin fabric of my hiking pants slapped at my thighs. The relenting gusts threatened to knock me over combined with the unstable rocks of the mountain, I nearly landed on my backside numerous times. Each time I nearly hit the ground I stuck out my hiking pole to keep me upright. Those aluminum sticks saved my body a lot of bruises and potential blood loss!
Some people think hiking poles are for old people. Or just useless or extra weight. I’ve been using them for at least 10 years and I don’t consider myself old and the poles are worth the extra pound of weight. (Confession: I initially was convinced of their utility when an experienced hiker told me you burn 30% more calories with poles!) But alas, I have experienced the ease of pulling myself up and holding myself back on steep slopes or rocky terrain because of those poles. They’re essential in snow although less helpful in scrambling boulders. I’m pretty sure my knees thank me, and maybe my waistline reaps some benefits, too.
Listen to the wind
We had a few more miles of ridge walking and wind-fighting to go and I was getting tired of the battering. As much as I wanted to curse the air, I knew that would do no good and only draw more attention to the misery. What is the wind teaching me? Maybe the lesson for today was not in the rushed approach, but perhaps the wind telling me something.
As I listened to it howl and felt the chill seeping into my legs through the thin fabric, I thought of its relentless but unpredictable nature. Gusting so hard it almost knocked me over in one moment to the brief and settled calm the next. As I braced myself with my poles I realized how grateful I was to have them. And my windbreaker and gloves along with my buff and hat that kept me warm. I could handle the wind much better with these supports.
Use your poles
The same is true in life. Right now the pandemic feels a little like the wind – relentless and seemingly endless and unpredictable. As much as I want it to stop and to go back to some sense of normal or at least some stability – I must remember the poles I have in my life that are keeping me upright. Helping me maintain my balance and not land in a heap on the rocks. My husband. My friends and family. Most definitely Mother Nature as she continues to school me on important life lessons. A chosen career that fits and the trust that we will all get through.
Who or what are your hiking poles? Maybe coronavirus is not your wind – maybe it’s a chronic illness or pain or the unexpected waves of grief that wash over you. Whatever the wind – whatever threatens to or has knocked you out of balance or pushed you on your knees – I hope you also see and find and use the poles that can help you keep moving forward.
It is not a sign of weakness to use the supports around you. That is what they are made for. Just like a hiking pole is specifically designed to help hikers keep their balance. That is their purpose. Friends, family, pets, the god you worship and I would argue, the great outdoors, are also made for supporting others. Do not deny them – or yourself – the beauty of fulfilling its purpose. We all need each other. Especially when the wind blows.
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