Journey of Reflection: Why do I trek?

Nature, Timelessness, Community and Health

Jul 27, 2023

This week marks my 1-year anniversary of trekking in Himalayas. Over the last 12 months, I have completed 4 different treks in four different states — Sleeping Buddha, Nanda Devi, Pir Panjal ranges, and the Lakes of Kashmir.

I have been returning to the mountains every 3 months, with my most recent trip being to Kashmir Valley last week. I've been contemplating the reason behind my continuous return to the mountains and wilderness, despite the discomfort and extreme physical demands it places on me.

I have walked about 200 km of trekking, climbing to 14,000 feet altitude, crossing rivers, traversing boulders, seeking answers that make sense only to me. From Himachal to West Bengal, Uttarakhand to Kashmir, I embarked on four different treks, each with its own challenges, and in doing so, I discovered the secrets of self-respect and physical ability. I gained insights into the diverse perspectives on life, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday existence. I decided to leave my job and pursue my own own journey during my time at mountains. However, one question still remains unanswered, "Why do I trek?"

To Be One with Nature:

Nature is perfect in its imperfections. It has evolved and optimised over millions of years, and during my hikes, I experience being a part of uninterrupted ecosystems, just as nature intended.

Our Earth, our home and history, exists for but a fleeting moment, allowing the birth of life - the most beautiful and sophisticated thing in the universe. In our pursuit of convenience and comfort, we are drifting away from nature. But when I venture on a hike, I feel like I'm going to a place where I truly belong - the wilderness, nature, and the present moment. Some of my most beautiful times have been spent walking alone amidst nature breathing in the fresh air basking in the forest filtered sun lights.

Eternal Moments of Time:

In the mountains, I always feel like I have so much time, allowing me to think clearly without stress. Time can be seen as both a blessing and a curse - it continues endlessly, reminding us that our time on Earth is limited, not eternal. In the city, time seems to only highlight its dark side, but in the mountains, I feel more present, understanding the true value of time.

Days elongate, and it feels like there are more than 24 hours in a day. Life should be slow, and time should be treasured, focusing on what truly matters. Instead of perceiving ticking time as impermanence, you begin to reflect deeply on life. The mind becomes occupied with silence, nature, views, and life as a whole, free from clutter. You become aware of the small insects, birds, trees, and the bustling life around you, feeling deeply connected to it all. In the mountains, every moment truly becomes its own universe.

Community & Humanity:

Humans evolved to live in communities - to share warmth, lives, stories, protection and gratitude.

My observation is that in the mountains and wilderness, people respect each other more, listen more, empathise, and help each other more. I sense a purity and sincerity in every action, creating a strong feeling of kinship and purpose. When I see young kids in the wilderness, it fills me with hope for the future of mankind, and when I encounter the older generation, I am reminded of human strength and resilience. The community feels selfless, and it's a place I love to belong to without any desire to escape or judge. Kindness and extending help come naturally, as they should. The connections I feel with people in the mountains run much deeper than those I encounter in city life. Even knowing the fact that I will not meet most of them ever again still makes no difference.

Health - Both Physical and Mental:

During last week's hike, I pushed my body 500% more than I typically do, yet it didn't complain. I slept like a baby inside a congested tent under a sleeping bag. Often, we live in excess yet feel dissatisfied when things don't go our way. Hiking has taught me how to live with so little, yet feel so abundant.

In the mountains, things seldom go as planned. There are random rains, overflowing rivers, unexpected snow, leaky tents, health issues, and more. Nothing is predictable, yet you find acceptance and silence within yourself. Even a challenging day of hiking can be viewed as a good day when reflected upon. You learn to embrace what comes your way and adapt accordingly.

Mornings in the mountains and forests are magical. They have the power to pull you into the present moment. In the mountains, I find satisfaction and happiness in drinking cold water in sub-zero temperatures, basking in the warmth of the morning sun amidst unpolluted air, finding joy in eating a piece of chocolate shared by fellow trekkers, and even in taking a moment to rest my heavy bag. I appreciate the simple joys of a warm shower at the end of a trek, the smell of cold packaged food, and much more. I learnt to find the happiness on the calling of a bird, rotting branches with shrooms, precisely broken rocks and perfectly reflective pristine lakes.

We have forgotten about these little things, which are always there with us and taken for granted in our normal lives. Hours of uninterrupted thinking in the midst of nature, mountains, and silence can be therapeutic.

Conclusion:

This way of living has made me more grateful and expressive of gratitude towards everyone who has helped shape who I am today, both through positive and negative experiences. Gratitude and forgiveness heal me, change me, and strengthen me. Wilderness has the power to soothe the anxiety caused by uncertainty about the future.

I yearn for experiences that connect me to the nameless entity in this lifeless blackness of eternal space. Ultimately, I am negligible in the cosmic scale. The magnificence of mountains, the immensity of boulders, the size of the trees, and the ferocity of river streams all remind me of this truth in their own way. Yet, the carpeting of plants in those harsh conditions shows the strength of resilience and hope.

Though I may be weak and insignificant, I feel a strength, consciousness, and uniqueness in being a part of eternity that is my life. I strive to make the best out of it. My experiences also contribute to humanity, connecting the chaos of the big bang to the order of life.

I see myself going back to the wilderness to learn and draw strength from it. I also hope that we will preserve the purity and sanctity of the wild mountains. Just as this experience has seeped into my city life, helping me notice life and trees with the same awe and appreciate the sunrise or sunset with the same glory, I hope we all respect and protect nature, not just for its sake, but for our own. I thank the mountains, rivers, forests, sheep herds, clouds, flowers and birds for allowing me to have the experience. I thank my family for letting me and my wife for introducing me to trekking and every trekker who were part of my trekking group showing the value of community. Special thanks to IndiaHikes for making the treks meaningful and safer in India.

Mountains, see you again in 2024.