My Mindful Hike in the New Mexico High Desert
I've always been fascinated by the influence of nature on our minds and brains. Endowed with the remarkable ability to tackle complex problems, thanks to the process of evolution, our brains function as masterful computing machines. However, it's not an exaggeration to say that they also require periods of rest and rejuvenation. I believe immersing ourselves in nature might offer one such remedy. Even Lao Tse built his entire Tao philosophy around nature, calling it the Way.
For millennia, different cultures have found ways to appreciate and value nature and solitude as integral components of living or as an art of living, whether through practices like shinrin-yoku in Japan, friluftsliv in Norway and Sweden, hygge in Denmark, or through concepts like datsuzoku (Japanese), pachamama (Inca), biophilia (love for living things), and duende (in the folklore of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines), each reflecting a unique relationship with the natural world.
Surprisingly, as an economist who typically thrives on empirical evidence and research, I stumbled upon studies revealing the positive impact of nature on psychological well-being, mediated by spirituality. It's an intriguing blend that underscores the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and mental health. (Spirituality mediates the relationship between engagement with nature and psychological wellbeing by Ilias Kamitsis, Andrew J.P. Francis, Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 36, December 2013, Pages 136-14)
Putting theory into practice, I began incorporating these nature hikes, with a dash of spirituality, into my repertoire of routines. For me, a mindful hike embodies several benefits: physical exercise through walking, nature's calming effect on the brain and mind, and opportunities for spiritual reflection. Our Misfit Sangha, following the vipassana tradition and functioning as a spiritual club, organizes such mindful hikes monthly in addition to a weekly meditation session. I am immensely grateful for this blend of wellness-boosting spiritual nourishment. Please enjoy my personal reflection.
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Today, I embarked on my third mindful hike, this time in the New Mexican high desert, on the east side of the Sandia Mountain, named by the early Spanish explorers as they saw it as a watermelon. Each mindful hike has offered a unique experience. The first one, a forest hike, provided the serene tranquility of forest bathing, an age-old tradition known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese. The second one immersed us in nature and peace within an urban setting (Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque), as the preserve was teeming with migrating birds.
However, this particular high desert hike today took an unexpected turn for me, almost becoming a mindful drive as I arrived half an hour late and found myself waiting at the intersection, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the others.
After an extended wait and a phone call, I discovered that they had already begun their meditation. Pausing for a minute, I reluctantly set off towards the Golden Open Space, uncertain of the hiking trailhead's location. Despite a few wrong turns and moments of confusion, I eventually found the trailhead, feeling disoriented and fatigued. Just as I considered turning back, a compassionate Sangha member named Kathryn appeared, offering to guide me to the group's meditation spot. She had interrupted her own meditation session to come back and assist me. Their kindness warmed my heart, reinforcing the power of community in nurturing care and consideration. Isn’t this what the Buddha meant to teach us: being kind to each other?
As we embarked on the winding hike, I began to focus on my walking meditation practice, which I had learned during a couple of day retreats. Miraculously, silence became the guiding light for my meditative state of mind. I reminded myself that I was in the middle of nowhere, away from my problems, responsibilities, and all distractions. The present moment, here and now, began to resonate within me.
Gradually, I started to notice the details around me with clarity—the pebbles, the grass, and the gentle touch of the cool wind on my face. As thoughts of work and projects faded into the background, the transformative power of nature began to take hold. This, I realized, is what they meant by immersing oneself in nature.
As I walked, the desert landscape began to unfold before me. The swirling clouds over the Sandia Mountain and the expansive red landscape below it were simply mesmerizing. Away from my urban surroundings and all the work-related distractions, I began to immerse myself in the scenery, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.
Ahead, my Sangha member guided me to a secluded spot in a valley below, where other companions were seated in the Buddha poses, their eyes closed in deep meditation. Finding my own space under the sagebrush, I settled into a meditative pose with eyes closed and spine straight. I felt a profound sense of peace amidst the cool breeze gently hitting my face. Focusing on the present moment became effortless, especially beneath the gorgeous blue sky of New Mexico.
As I share some snapshots from our journey, I invite you to embrace moments of peace and tranquility in your own life. Until next time, may you find solace in the stillness of the present moment.
