Originally Posted by
Dogwood
It doesn't surprise me to hear so many hikers combining a love for being outdoors in nature with some higher power. If U believe the story in Genesis, and I do, someone, who I call God, didn't place us in a cubicle, car, square house, on a bus, or in or on something manmade of glass, steel, concrete or asphalt. God placed us in a garden. I believe it is in everyone's heart to go to that place where we live in harmony with ourselves, others, our environment, and yes, even God. Somehow, hiking is a vehicle that puts us in a place where we were meant to function best. It is the call of our spirits to return to that place.
Hiking in nature, as on the AT, let's us remove much of that 'static' that clouds us from seeing who we really are and what we really desire. By 'static' I don't me avoiding responsibility, commitment. or hard work. I mean greed, fear, pride, selfishness, anger, materialism, consumerism, etc. It gives us the time to resolve issues and come full circle. Hiking in nature hints at the promise that we will somehow be different, more complete, better. It lets us live simpler less cluttered lives. Hiking will overwelmingly demonstrate that there is still good in this world. The best way I can describe completing a long hike is to imagine something so pure, innocent, healthy, thought provoking, inspirational, cleansing, and overcoming that you can't but help to be changed forever. It will make you aware of something or someone greater than yourself.
Perhaps, it is not just an addiction or being pathetic but it is your inner self desiring for you to stay or get back to that place where we were meant to be. I think I know how you feel! Indeed, it is a joy and a blessing! You will NEVER be the same!