By Heather P. Wright
Sentinel Columnist
Before the busyness of a new school year, ramped up expectations at work, and the cooler weather sets in to remind us that change is in the air, it might be time to ask those you love, “What were the highlights and challenges of your summer?”
We so often learn a great deal about ourselves and what we care about through our recreation and hobbies. What did you choose to spend time on this summer? Any new experiences? What would you hope to do differently next year?
In vocational counseling, we often ask people to evaluate what they do with their free time, what are the skills and talents they are using that reflect deeper truths about who they are and what their natural aptitudes may be. My 13 year old ended up helping at several camps throughout the summer as a counselor-in-training. We called it, her “summer of service.” We spent time today, before she returns to school tomorrow, reflecting on what she liked and learned and hoped for next year.
My greatest challenge this summer took place earlier this week. I joined my 26 year old, Douglas, and 13 year old, Alyse, hiking a White Mountain. We spent a day climbing Mount Lafayette, then spent the night in an AMC hut with no electricity or most hotel’s amenities. We arrived at the summit with other brave travelers; weary but warmed up from a good workout. We ate a hearty meal and were in bed by 9 pm since the only way to get from bunk to bathroom was with headlamps. We then hiked back down out of thick cloud cover at the summit.
As the date drew near, I became more concerned about my fitness level and ability to complete the hike. Much of my job involves computer work and sitting for hours. I try to keep up with Pilates but don’t have as much cardio in my daily routine. My son, a former college track star, encouraged a treadmill and elliptical twice a week beforehand. I did both and even went for a run during the 10 days leading up to the hike. I felt like I was cramming for an exam. Would I make it? Would the kids have to carry me or call for help?
Thankfully, all went well. I was still sore from the run a few days earlier when we set off on our ascent. However, my body adapted to the task at hand. It was exhilarating to succeed in completing the two-day hike. Being in nature, at her mercy, with clouds and high winds keeping us from a larger loop and trail on the descent, was humbling and breath taking. Steep drop offs led to expansive views of the summits ahead, appearing as clouds passed around them, and to the valley and hills below. Northern peaks were seen as we rounded the sides of the ridge. We saw a few leaves in fall colors. Trees were shorter and shorter as we ascended the peak.
The mountain taught me a few lessons: only concentrate on the next step, don’t sweat what is left to be done, each step matters and needs to be placed carefully when walking through and over rocks and on slick stone faces, keep breathing and find a rhythm to rise above minor aches and pains along the way, consciously try to relax my feet and knees as they tensed up from larger drops or higher steps. Most importantly, I realized being with people I love en-courages me. I was stronger, braver and more motivated to succeed because we had each other’s back.
Nature for many of us is an avenue back to ourselves and to our Source. There is a strong sense of God’s presence in the created order. I found in communing with nature and others, my family and the strangers that became friends on top of the peak, restored a rhythm to my soul and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. These are the experiences that remind us we are alive, to value the beauty and challenge each day brings.
May your summer reflections also bring you home to yourself, your sense of the Holy, and to those you love.
