“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
This quote by John Muir perfectly captures the transformative power of stepping into the natural world. Nature offers a shift in perspective and can stimulate clarity of thought.
I recently spent four days hiking the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. The rugged terrain demanded my full attention, as the rocky path made it all too easy to twist an ankle. I found myself leaving behind the clutter of my mind and becoming fully attuned to my body. This shift in focus brought a sense of gratitude for what my body is capable of. When we slow down and immerse ourselves in the landscape, we realize how often we race through life without truly being present.
Walking through the vast wilderness made me think of the leadership metaphor of stepping off the dance floor and onto the balcony to gain a broader perspective. The breathtaking vistas of ancient land instilled a sense of awe. I felt small incomparison, but rather than feeling insignificant, I was uplifted by the deep connection to nature and its timeless beauty. It was like walking in "the land that time forgot."
At the same time, the small details of the desert came into focus—delicate flowers thriving in harsh conditions. This reminded me of our own resilience in the face of challenges. There is beauty all around, if only we take the time to notice.
I also felt privileged to walk in the land of Australia's First Nations people. Learning from Rayleen Brown of Kungkas Can Cook, who shared insights about bush tucker and the communities she works with, added depth to the experience.
The final hike up Mount Sonder began at 2:30 am, under cover of darkness. Walking in single file, with only the light of a headtorch, the climb was cold, windy, and outside my comfort zone. When the going is tough, focusing on one step at a time is the best approach.
At the summit, we were greeted by a stunning sunrise, illuminating the landscape in vibrant reds, greens, and browns. The journey back down was filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Like many of life’s journeys, this hike could have been done alone, but the company of passionate guides and like-minded travellers made the experience truly special.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
My questions for you this week are:
With love,
Sue
This quote by John Muir perfectly captures the transformative power of stepping into the natural world. Nature offers a shift in perspective and can stimulate clarity of thought.
I recently spent four days hiking the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. The rugged terrain demanded my full attention, as the rocky path made it all too easy to twist an ankle. I found myself leaving behind the clutter of my mind and becoming fully attuned to my body. This shift in focus brought a sense of gratitude for what my body is capable of. When we slow down and immerse ourselves in the landscape, we realize how often we race through life without truly being present.
Walking through the vast wilderness made me think of the leadership metaphor of stepping off the dance floor and onto the balcony to gain a broader perspective. The breathtaking vistas of ancient land instilled a sense of awe. I felt small incomparison, but rather than feeling insignificant, I was uplifted by the deep connection to nature and its timeless beauty. It was like walking in "the land that time forgot."
At the same time, the small details of the desert came into focus—delicate flowers thriving in harsh conditions. This reminded me of our own resilience in the face of challenges. There is beauty all around, if only we take the time to notice.
I also felt privileged to walk in the land of Australia's First Nations people. Learning from Rayleen Brown of Kungkas Can Cook, who shared insights about bush tucker and the communities she works with, added depth to the experience.
The final hike up Mount Sonder began at 2:30 am, under cover of darkness. Walking in single file, with only the light of a headtorch, the climb was cold, windy, and outside my comfort zone. When the going is tough, focusing on one step at a time is the best approach.
At the summit, we were greeted by a stunning sunrise, illuminating the landscape in vibrant reds, greens, and browns. The journey back down was filled with a sense of accomplishment.
Like many of life’s journeys, this hike could have been done alone, but the company of passionate guides and like-minded travellers made the experience truly special.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir
My questions for you this week are:
- When do you take the time to look within?
- How do you find the space to shift between perspectives?
- How often do you step out of your office and reconnect with nature?
- Who are your guides and fellow travellers?
With love,
Sue
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