LightHearted Musings - It’s the Journey Not the Destination
Posted by Dr. Molly Roberts on October 26th, 2008

Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.

–Louis L’Amour

I seem to hike differently from other people. Most people I know hike for exercise, going as fast as they can up the mountain and pushing themselves to see how fast they can get to the top. They are usually up there for just a couple of minutes before they are on their way back down. As much as I have tried, I can’t seem to do it that way.

I must admit that when I hike, it feels rude to pass by the plants and not say hello. I realize how strange that might sound to some of you, but what the heck, Louis L’Amour understands me!

I walk slowly and stop to appreciate how the sky looks through the tree branches, how the ants find their way in perfect synchronization with each other, how the flower buds are just starting to open up, how each plant uniquely feels to the touch. I’m exercising too, but instead of working on my muscles, I’m exercising my connection to Mother Earth, my ability to tap into the energies of all that is around us. I’m exercising my deep love for the world, my amazement at the miracles that surround us, my appreciation for the gift of being able to dream my dreams and climb my mountains for yet another day. I’m exercising my love of life. I may not be the first one to the top of that mountain, but oh, what I have seen along the way!

Dr. Molly

Posted in LightHearted Musings

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1 Comment

  1. Dear Dr. Molly
    At last a person that understands why I like to stop and marvel so much at nature on my way to whatever destination. I’m a real tree hugger at heart, yup, I actually hug trees. I taught my children to hug trees, as well as my child care kids. In a moment of love or frustration, if you hug a tree, look at the sky, enjoy the wonderful palate God gave to us, your frustrations disappear and your heart grows larger. The next thing you realize, your imagination takes over and many lovely things happen.

    Comment by Joanne — October 27, 2008 @ 8:47 am

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