Embracing the Journey: The Art of Surrendering to Nature
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Chapter 1: The Call to Surrender
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Last week's trauma healing work made it difficult to stay present in my body. I adopted a mantra: "Breathe. Feel. Sleep. Connect." This helped me navigate the week. I minimized my work commitments to prioritize self-awareness. Hiking a mountain after such emotional labor turned out to be an incredible challenge.
With fresh snow blanketing the ground, we set out for what we assumed would be a simple "light hike" in the Surte area, near San Giorgio del Sannio (Bn) and Montefusco (Av), just 10 and 15 miles from my home in Italy. However, the only "light" aspect of our adventure was our provisions. We envisioned a two-hour hike followed by lunch at home, but instead, we found ourselves trekking from 10 AM to 4 PM over 16 km and ascending 700 meters, often trudging through deep snow.
This week had already been a test of staying connected to my body, and hiking demanded an even greater level of surrender.
Section 1.1: Embracing the Uphill Battle
Uphill hikes have always posed a challenge for me. With limited lung capacity and aching calves, discomfort begins the moment we start climbing. Our uphill trek commenced as soon as we stepped out of the car, and I braced myself for the struggle. Typically, I find my second wind about an hour in, so I accepted that the initial phase would be tough. The reality is that I’m out of shape, and the start can be quite unenjoyable. Yet, as we ventured into more remote areas, the scenery grew increasingly beautiful, and my spirits began to lift along with my calves. I trust that this shift will occur; the process simply requires enduring a difficult beginning.
Subsection 1.1.1: Surrendering to the Elements
After three hours of hiking, the reality of hydration became pressing. My shirt clung to my body, soaked with sweat, and my feet were wet from the snow seeping into my shoes. Despite my footwear's comfort, they were not ideal for wet conditions. Thankfully, my wool socks kept me warm, a lesson learned from previous hikes. I made peace with the moisture—it was now part of my journey. Raising my turtleneck, I caught a whiff of my own sweat, but I accepted that too. Water, in all its forms, carries healing, and I expressed gratitude for it.
Section 1.2: Finding Strength in Surrender
As we continued our ascent, the uphill challenges evolved. The initial struggles were hard due to my unpreparedness, but the later uphill battles became an entirely different ordeal. I felt weak and slow, often trailing behind my companions. My hiking group thrives on reaching summits, while I wrestled with my mixed feelings towards the climb. Despite my reluctance, each uphill climb forced me to reconnect with my body, which felt alien to me throughout the week. With every step, I discovered my own rhythm, even in the face of exhaustion.
Chapter 2: The Transformative Power of Rhythm
The first video, "Part 3 - The Journey of Surrender - You Win by Losing [Full Service]," explores themes of surrendering to life's journey and the growth that comes from embracing vulnerability.
The second video, "Day 1 | Surrender | Pastors Jim & Jennifer Wilkes," emphasizes the importance of letting go and trusting the process of life.
Surrendering to the rhythm during hiking has been an enlightening experience. I recall a challenging hike in the Grand Canyon, which tested my endurance and taught me the value of persistence. Despite inadequate gear and limited supplies, I learned to rely on my rhythm. As long as I kept moving, I knew I would reach my destination. My determination prevailed, allowing me to continue at my own pace, creating momentum even in slow movements.
Surrender to the Joy of Pauses
We enjoyed two beautiful breaks during this hike. One occurred in nearly two feet of snow, where we shared our limited supplies: seven people, one dog, two bottles of wine, hot tea, a few chicken wings, and some delicious pizza chiena—an Easter favorite. This gathering was especially precious after our long trek. Later, we stopped at a restaurant for a well-deserved break. The food and the pauses rejuvenated my spirit and reminded me of the joys of life.
Surrender to the Team Spirit
With just ten minutes left in our hike, I felt the aches and pains manifesting throughout my body. Despite my initial strength, a sudden uphill section frustrated me. I slowed down, battling to find a new rhythm. However, a fellow hiker offered his support, inviting me to lean on his energy and pace. To my delight, I discovered my legs could move with ease, guided by his encouragement. It was a beautiful reminder of how our teams can see our potential when we struggle to do so ourselves.
Surrender to the Journey
Ultimately, the most profound lesson was to surrender to the journey itself—embracing every aspect of it. Life’s journeys are filled with ups and downs, aches and joys, soaked feet and cherished memories. The richest experiences come from savoring every moment along the way.