So you've heard people raving about hikes they go on. You know someone who has gone all over, hiked every mountain, scouted every trail, and you are wondering just what is so great about this sport? 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 enthusiasts fall in love with it? We will explore just a few 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 quiet it is out there. There is no noise of traffic, no one yelling at the car in front of 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 notice the conversations of birds, and the rustle of leaves in the wind. These little experiences help you recognize the beauty and majesty 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 daily routine. John Muir wrote “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” This statement shows the value and clarity offered by time spent outside. The forest offers an out from the stress of life. It is a great 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 best opportunity for quiet thought and introspection.
Teach yourself that you can. Going into the wilderness, outside the view of others, allows you to test yourself. Taking 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 notice that nature is utterly unphased to your presence, you realize that the only thing keeping you going is your resolve. This experience teaches you that you can accomplish anything.
Great work-out. Hiking is excellent exercise, and it is relatively easy on the body. Getting out each day and hiking makes a huge difference in keeping a healthy body weight and fighting off diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Bond with friends. Exploring the wilderness puts you and your friends in a fun environment which will help you to grow closer and make your friendships grow stronger. The friendships that are forged over experiences in the woods will help you feel that you all can work together and achieve difficult things.
Hiking offers these benefits and more. Spending time outside and appreciating nature is guaranteed to bring you great memories. Happiness and health, what more could someone want? 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.”
This article was written by Brian Tecklenburg. He loves participating in many outdoor sports including camping, climbing and hiking. To find all his hiking gear, Brian uses www.moosejaw.com
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