I read an article recently in Backpacker magazine which spoke of the benefits that hiking, and just getting outdoors, has on veterans that have returned home from combat areas. The article told the story of John Rivera and his 2,663 mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, during which he aimed to better clear his mind of the memories of war. The article was written by an Army buddy of his, who joined Rivera on the last leg of his journey. The author, Brian Mockenhaupt, paints a vivid picture of what he saw on the trail, the mindset of his friend Rivera, and what all veterans face when they return from war.
The therapeutic benefits of a good hike were made evident…and no, you do not have to hike 2,000 plus miles before you can feel and see the results of the time in nature. Getting out into nature, whether it be a half mile guided nature loop at a local park, or one of the thousands of hiking trails within our national parks system, creates a connection between yourself and nature and refreshes the body, mind, and spirit connections.
It is so easy to live in the moment when out on the trail…the splendor of nature around you just soaks away the pains of the past and the worries of the future. Ever stand in the woods, hearing only the sounds of the forest, and closed your eyes while looking up? What did you feel when standing there in that moment? What, if anything, were you thinking? Study the sound your foot makes when it steps on a twig, gravel, dirt, or bark chips. What is that bird call…ever heard anything like it before?
This is a small sample of what the hiking experience will bring. That brings me back to the article. There is a new program kicking off called “Walk Off The War” (http://warriorhike.com/) that aims to hiking and its benefits to veterans. Another organization, “Veterans Expeditions” (http://vetexpeditions.com/), is for those that do not have the time or ability to participate in a hike, but want to get outdoors. You don’t need to be a vet to help; volunteers and donations are welcome by any and all that wish to help.
Get out there and hike…and talk about it. You never know who will be inspired by your stories to hike, and heal, out on the trail.
The therapeutic benefits of a good hike were made evident…and no, you do not have to hike 2,000 plus miles before you can feel and see the results of the time in nature. Getting out into nature, whether it be a half mile guided nature loop at a local park, or one of the thousands of hiking trails within our national parks system, creates a connection between yourself and nature and refreshes the body, mind, and spirit connections.
It is so easy to live in the moment when out on the trail…the splendor of nature around you just soaks away the pains of the past and the worries of the future. Ever stand in the woods, hearing only the sounds of the forest, and closed your eyes while looking up? What did you feel when standing there in that moment? What, if anything, were you thinking? Study the sound your foot makes when it steps on a twig, gravel, dirt, or bark chips. What is that bird call…ever heard anything like it before?
This is a small sample of what the hiking experience will bring. That brings me back to the article. There is a new program kicking off called “Walk Off The War” (http://warriorhike.com/) that aims to hiking and its benefits to veterans. Another organization, “Veterans Expeditions” (http://vetexpeditions.com/), is for those that do not have the time or ability to participate in a hike, but want to get outdoors. You don’t need to be a vet to help; volunteers and donations are welcome by any and all that wish to help.
Get out there and hike…and talk about it. You never know who will be inspired by your stories to hike, and heal, out on the trail.