Originally Posted by
Dogwood
Me! I choose to live in Hawaii part of the yr, changed my career choice(majors) mid stream, adopted a simpler non status quo seeking less materialistic attitude(don't own a TV for example, prefer to walk, cycle, or take public transit, etc), question consumption, question habits as they can quickly turn into grabby addictions, live very frugally(realistically could be raking in a high six figure paycheck if I wanted), sold all my businesses, am willing to routinely live out of a backpack for long periods, etc all so that I can enjoy the outdoors, commune with NATURE MORE OFTEN, feel like I'm living on the edge at times, and possibly be exposed to a greater awareness. I enjoy embracing the unknown as I know in that place is the realm of all possibilities. I want to know I'm truly alive, to realize and display in my actions that Life is a precious gift, that each moment is to be cherished, to be mindful how I spend my time as it's a HUGELY valuable commodity in the few decades we walk the Earth. What might that say about me. Last thing I want is to live my life from a Lazy Boy Recliner(or in front of a computer or gabbing away or through a soap opera or ir-reality TV show) as I complacently fall into a stupor letting myself be badly brain washed by the airwaves dying a slow death of mediocrity and mundane living. Reeks of the worst odor to me.
Ahh, breathe, breathe. However, one should not assume you need live in the backcountry or in places like Maine or Hawaii or Alaska to enjoy the outdoors. I notice plenty of mindful intelligent city planners and developers offering outdoor space to pursue activities like cycling/running/hiking trails, gardening, paddling, athletic fields, etc. Heck, if I'm creative and open enough to the possibilities I can be in a major city and find solitude, sereneness, stars, green fields, contentment, places to enjoyably stroll, laugh, something to appreciate, etc as those things aren't always things and they are as much internal as external. Look at what my friend Snorkel did when she did that 3 day 100 mile hike through LA as articled in a recent edition of Backpacker mag. She went in with a right attitude(and kept hold of it), took the hike in context of what it was(not what it wasn't!), focused on mostly the good things and the things to appreciate yet kept her awareness up, focused on finding ways to appreciate the trek, stayed true to who she is at heart, AND as a result had a decent experience. Love it. Way to go Snorkel!
U know I have to give credit to 10-k too. He helped me see things differently. I was starting to get a little pissy in my accounts of the GA Pinhoti section through Dalton. He said something to the effect: "You just gotta take the hike in that section for what it currently is." In affect saying don't look at that section for what it isn't. Look at it from the perspective of of the possible benefits that it affords. I took something meaningful and helpful advice by what he said. I had to cease being so negative about that section. If I had taken the attitude as 10-k said when I hiked that section I would have likely had a better experience through that section. Why do I say all that. Because it relates to having a greater appreciation for opps that are available. It helps in noticing the varied beauty all around. And, it affects are lives and our lifestyles.
Nice Out
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