Day 3 taught me a lot.
Day 1 began with such excitement and confidence (9/10!), only to have the first 3 miles of incline leave me breathless and frustrated by the altitude, followed by 5 miles of steep, rocky descent that broke me physically. My left knee screamed with pain, adding 2 hours to our very long, very humbling day. So humbling that day 2 was spent with ibuprofen and ice.
Day 3 began with humility and caution, excitement at a 3/10. We started this time with a 4 mile ascent. I quickly realized that my head needed to be in different energy to make our 9 mile journey. I thought of Thich Nhat Hanh's walking meditation teachings. I focused only on the sensation of each foot connecting with the Earth, again and again. My breath was my guide. If the altitude became too much, it was in my control- my body asking me to slow down. Like Verdi the snake, I learned to pay no mind to the young hikers passing me by. These are my legs, my lungs, my heart, my journey and I'm grateful for all of it.
Mindful hiking. Triumph over pain and fear. Being in the mutual care of my beloved. I just hiked from France to Italy today and I'm profoundly moved by the experience.
I don't share this because I'm telling you to take up hiking (but it's a great idea!) I share this because we all have times of pain. Of fear and doubt (did I waste my 7 months of preparation? Will I heal soon enough? Will I hurt myself again?) Of times when we need to stop and regroup (Take a rest day. Focus on healing. Try different metaphorical hiking boots.) And, when we have to dig deep, breath and Self can carry us.
Love and blessings, Tamara