So you've heard people talking about hikes they go on. You know someone who has gone all over, hiked every mountain, followed every trail, and you are wondering just what is so great about this activity? Why did Ansell Adams find such inspiration when he was climbing in the mountains? What is it about going outside and adoring the wilderness that makes people fall in love with it? We will explore a couple reasons why people love getting out and
hiking.
Appreciate the quiet. Once you get into the wilderness a bit, you begin to realize just how silent it is out there. There is no noise of traffic, no one yelling at the car before them. There are no fire truck sounds or car alarms. There are no heaters or air conditioners making all sorts of sound. The silence you find in the wilderness is extremely peaceful and relaxing. You begin to realize the conversations of birds, and the rustle of leaves in the wind. These simple experiences help you recognize the beauty and innocence of life. Erich Fromm described this phenomenon as biophelia or a love for life and all things living. He argued that somewhere in our genetic code, we are designed to want to see nature, and observe living systems.
Escape the grind. John Muir wrote “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” This quote shows the value and clarity offered by time spent outside. The wilderness offers an escape from the stress of life. It is a fun break from the daily grind, it frees you from the tyranny of the city and the constancy of artificial stimuli that is today's living. Being in the wilderness is the ultimate opportunity for quiet thought and introspection.
Teach yourself that you can. Going into nature, outside the view of others, gives you a chance to test yourself. Bringing nothing with you but your North Face Backpack and a little water and experiencing the woods with your own two eyes teaches you just what you are made of. When you realize that nature is utterly unphased to your presence, you notice that the only thing keeping you going is your persistence. This experience teaches you that you can accomplish anything.
Great work-out.
Hiking is excellent exercise, and it is fairly easy on the body. Getting out each day and going for a hike makes a huge difference in keeping a healthy body weight and fighting off diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Bond with friends. Going out into the wilderness puts you and your friends in a unique environment which will help you to bond and make your friendships grow stronger. These friendships that are forged over experiences in the wilderness will help you feel that you all can work together and accomplish difficult things.
Hiking offers these benefits and more. Spending time outside and appreciating nature is assured to bring you great memories. Happiness and health, what more could anyone ask for? So get out there and enjoy the wilderness. John Muir said it best when he said, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
