Daring to be Heathy!

"At the trailhead of Dog Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge."  ~ photo by Lee G Young  © 2014

It doesn’t take much effort for me to do the things that jeopardize my health. Eating sugary foods is always a temptation, even though it aggravates my allergies, and staying up late and not getting enough quality rest seems to come naturally for me, in spite of the resulting lack of energy. But the most noticeable challenge to my health is more to my emotional state, rather than my physical. When I’m not out walking on a regular basis, and especially when I’m not hiking in nature, I tend to lapse into depressed feelings, which, in turn, invite negative self talk and judgement. With the influence of the new “normal” lifestyle of being continually “plugged into” some kind of electronics, and usually assuming a sedentary position in front of a some sort of screen, I need to always be vigilant in my personal care - especially with the exercise part!

"A view of the gorge from the trail going upward."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

Reading what experts say about exercise, I found that where you exercise is as important as the exercise itself. Dr. Michael Nirenberg, who has written articles in the American Wanderer, compares the infinite benefits of walking outdoors to the practice of walking indoors on a treadmill. He says, that there is “no substitute for the wonder and health benefits of actually experiencing the grandeur of our natural environment while walking.” Many scientists argue that, in addition to the physical health benefits, like promoting longer and deeper refreshing sleep, exercising in fresh air is found to improve one’s mood, which usually results in a more positive outlook on life.

"Heart shapes created by sunlight through the trees."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

Even though recent scientific studies have supported the benefits of walking outdoors, people have known this to be true for a very long time. For centuries, the Japanese have used the term “shinrin-yoku”, which means “forest bathing”. Rather than involving a soak in a tub among the trees, this word refers to spending time in the woods and feeling the relaxing and healing  influence of nature, both in your body and in your mind. This ancient wisdom is now supported by scientists, as they have discovered that, when outdoors in a forest or by a lake, you breathe in active substances released by plants called phytoncides. Plants release phytoncides to protect themselves against insects and from rotting, but you benefit, as they lower blood pressure, reduce stress and help to boost the immune system. 

"Signs to the summit."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

Okay, hiking in the woods is great for us…. but what about a difficult hike like, Dog Mountain in the Columbia Gorge area? Is there any advantage to challenging yourself that much? I asked myself that question, as I was planning to tackle that steep and rapidly ascending trail on the Washington side of the Columbia River. It turns out that, if you are physically able, there is a very good reason! In the most recent issue of Sierra Magazine, a publication of the Sierra Club, I read an interesting article entitled, “The Science of Awe.” It tells how scientists, in a study, are “charting what happens when nature blows your mind.” We have seen what happens when someone, like John Muir, gets inspired by his experience in nature. After his life-altering treks in the Sierra Mountains, Muir authored poetic-like writings that inspired a major conservation movement. 

"Determined to make it!"  ~ photo by Lee G Young  © 2014

In wanting to explore how the science of nature elicits a response of awe and inspiration, University of California psychologist, Dacher Keltner, is now conducting a study to measure the long term physical benefits of awe and, for the first time, is moving the laboratory out into the natural world. He says, “We want to engage with people and observe them when they’re really out there on the river or lying under the stars.” Keltner has observed that when people are asked to recall awe-inspiring experiences, they often cite nature. He says, “Fleeting and rare, experiences of awe can change the course of a life in permanent ways.”  If feeling awe is a stimulus that can force people to revise their mental frames of reference, then Dog Mountain, with its breathtaking views of the Columbia River, as it winds its way through that scenic gorge, has the potential to turn around any negative thinking in me!

"A scene of the gorge from the lower viewpoint of Dog Mountain."  ~  photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

So with the possible benefits of of inspiring awe, I put on my hiking boots, slipped on my daypack filled with goodies and extra water, and grabbed my hiking stick as I headed off to make my ascent of Dog Mountain. Climbing the trail, I had to stop often to catch my breath, as I made my way up the steep, rocky inclines; however, the real challenge I faced was that inner voice that broadcasted my self doubt and fear. “Turn back, you crazy lady!” it shouted at me. “You could slip and fall and kill yourself! Turn back now!” Refusing to be defeated by my fear, I kept reminding myself of those jaw-dropping photos I could take when I arrived at the viewpoints.  (My ego can sometimes override my fear.)

With determination and refusing to to look over and down at the vast expanse between the high cliff walls of the gorge, I centered my focus on the narrow rocky trail, as it relentlessly meandered upward. Like a mantra, I told myself over and over that I was safe and secure and had all the ability I needed to successfully make it to the top. I also recalled a walking idol of mine, Hulda Crooks, who in her 90’s, hiked up Pike’s Peak numerous times. I remembered that she was convinced that hiking mountains was necessary for personal growth.  She said, “That’s where you build character…. on a mountaintop!” 

"A challenging trail led up to this upper viewpoint."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

And indeed, as I arrived at the upper viewpoint of Dog Mountain, shaking a bit from my struggle with fear, I felt empowered as I turned toward the panoramic view of the gorge. Amazed that I made it that far, I felt perhaps I had more grit and skill than I had previously thought. In scanning the awesome view that I had avoided on that narrow upward-climbing trail, all I could think of now, as I gazed at this scenic wonder, was, “Wow!” The awe I felt, as I marveled at the majestic view of the gorge, dissipated my fear - almost immediately. All struggle of the difficult ascent was gone, and in its place was a feeling of reverence -  what someone might feel upon entering a grand cathedral. I seemed to connect with a wonderfully expanded awareness that had replaced my small limiting self perceptions. Maybe, that was the “mountaintop experience” that Hulda was referring to! I wasn’t a fearful, shaky “crazy lady” any more. On the mountaintop of Dog Mountain, I was a competent, capable, and courageous woman!

"Wind Mountain is seen from the upper trail."  ~ photo by Carol E Fairbanks  © 2014

History tells us how the Chinook, as well as many other native tribes, used a “mountain experience” in their rites of passage for youth who were coming-of-age. The young boy, in looking for his inner resources that could “carry” him to manhood, would climb alone up a mountain, like Dog, or nearby Wind Mountain, relying only on himself.The wise elders of the tribe knew that the inexperienced boy would move through feelings in his climb upward, probably similar to those I felt.They foresaw that when he reached the summit and looked out at the magnificence of creation, a wiser and more knowing part of himself would awaken. And the chances of him living out his life’s purpose would be much greater due to that “mountaintop experience”. Perhaps that awe and reverence that he would feel when connecting to the sublime in nature, might even be extended to include himself, as well as, others.

""Feeling 'on top of it' on Dog Mountain!"  ~ photo by Lee G Young  © 2014

I believe, as the psychologist Keltner does, that an experience of awe, like the stunning vista from the top of Dog Mountain, can become the foundation for a healthier body and a happier mind. It’s the treasure you find on a mountaintop that reveals the true “mountaintop experience” you seek, and it's really within you. That “mountaintop experience”, which can manifest in many different ways, is unique for each of us….. it’s whatever is in your life that challenges you to see beyond your fear to a vision of who you truly are. Yes, Dog Mountain did it for me!
                                          by Carol E. Fairbanks, W. W. W.  © 2014