#6 Happiness is a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains
One can take this item in many ways. To start, let’s take it literally.
If walking in unfamiliar mountains can make someone happy, how so? Well, for starters, I believe connecting with nature almost always makes me happy. Being surrounded by beautiful and majestic mountains can often evoke a sense of tranquility, simplicity, harmony, and just all around calm.
Next, let’s tackle the idea, if not truth, that any form of physical activity (within reason) releases endorphins and naturally elevates one's mood. The exertion alone involved in walking through a mountainous territory would provide a sense of accomplishment and would also improve one’s physical well-being.
I believe mindfulness and self-reflection are integral to finding truth and happiness. The serenity of the mountains provide an ideal setting for just that. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, one can find mental clarity, contemplate life’s constant twist and turns, and gain perspective on their challenges and aspirations.
It’s always exciting to explore a new place, in my opinion. Therefore, I think it would be safe to assume, exploring unfamiliar mountains would introduce some novelty and excitement. The sense of adventure would certainly stimulate one’s curiosity, helping to break away from routine and experience the joy of the unknown.
Believe it or not, being alone can be a good thing. In fact, I think it’s very important, though it took me years to come to understand that. One can gain the introspective joy of self-discovery. Or, if one were to traverse the mountains with a friend of loved ones…sharing the experience can only increase the delight. And of course, the creation of memories is always integral to a happy relationship.
Completing a long walk in challenging terrain can be a personal achievement. The sense of conquering physical and mental challenges can boost self-esteem and instill a sense of accomplishment, contributing to overall happiness.
Yes, the combination of natural beauty, physical activity, mindfulness, novelty, social connection, and personal achievement in regards to a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains creates a holistic and enriching experience that often leads to a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment. But what about figuratively speaking?
For me, I think walking in unfamiliar territory and having it bring happiness emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s journey - facing challenges with resilience, and finding happiness in the ongoing process of self-discovery and personal development. Like the mountains, life is going to have its ups and downs. We just have to keep pushing forward, one step at a time, treading carefully and mindfully, to ensure we make it safely to the next valley or peak. If we’ve reached a valley (a more comfortable and/or easy part to traverse), let’s enjoy the ease of things, but keep moving forward and not be afraid of the possibly looming peak ahead. And when we come face to face with that peak, that may even be higher, scarier, or more dangerous than we thought, we must still keep onwards. Persist. Endure. Press on. Persevere. Stay the course… and enjoy the journey.
I used to think being alone was a bad thing. I think, growing up, I believed it meant you were an outcast, an undesirable, so to speak. Into my youth, I still believed that. I remember looking at other kids (or teens) sitting alone and feeling sorry for them - or listening as those around me mocked or teased them for being alone. Being alone terrified me. Even as a young adult, I didn’t like to be alone, though I could never explain why - just that I didn’t like it. It wasn’t until years later that I realized part of, if not the main reason, why I didn’t like being alone was because I didn’t like my own company very much. The truth was, I didn’t really like myself. I didn’t know myself. But being alone has so many fantastic benefits, and thankfully, it didn’t take me too long to recognize them. For some time now, I’ve loved being alone. Don’t get me wrong, I also love being with friends and those I love. But being alone can be so enlightening. So peaceful - and not just because of the quiet. In a quick list, off the top of my head, here are the benefits I believe in, in being alone.
It allows for self-reflection, so that I can understand my own thoughts, feelings, and goals without external influences.
It fosters independence and self-reliance, allows me to navigate challenges without relying on others. This also builds a sense of empowerment, knowing I can take care of myself.
It stimulates creativity & innovation, allows for me to explore ideas, think critically, and inspires new perspectives as I have nothing but time to really process my own thoughts and feelings.
Allows time for me to rest & recharge mentally and emotionally. After some time alone, I often feel re-energized.
In spending time alone, I learned (and continue to learn) how to regulate my emotions. Because I can be alone with my thoughts, I can manage any stress I may feel, process any feelings and develop coping skills or mechanisms if needed.
It provides time & space for clearer decision-making. In the past, I often made decisions too quickly, based on the very real and intense emotions in the moment. Taking time for myself allows for me to really process my thoughts and feelings so that I can make a clearer, often more mature, decision.
It allows for time to create a deeper sense of self awareness. I can better identify my emotions, understand my motivations, and recognize any patterns I may have that are not serving me well in life.
I can practice mindfulness in hopes to bring it into the everyday of my life, even when I’m around others. It’s not easy trying to live in the present moment with so many distractions around.
It builds a wonderful sense of freedom & autonomy. I no longer feel it is necessary to follow along with others in their journeys - taking on their beliefs, values, interests, etc.
So, embracing life’s journey, facing challenges with resilience, and finding happiness in the ongoing process of self-discovery and personal development, with the combination of natural beauty, physical activity, mindfulness, and personal achievement, all while on a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains, creates a holistic and enriching experience that can often lead to a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness. Don’t you agree?
Ⓒ March 2024. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.
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