Trail Energy
We recently went for a hike.
A number of years ago, “going for a hike” meant hiking 18 miles through the Tetons in a single day.
These days, “going for a hike” often means “hiking” .7 miles in an hour and exploring every root, rock, and leaf along the way.
A number of years ago, our pace was brisk —sometimes bordering on (or including) some trail running.
These days, our pace is very slow, and sometimes involves stints of going in the wrong direction.
Even though we do our best to move over and let others pass, there are of course segments of trail in almost any hike that are narrow enough for only one group to pass at a time.
Over and over again, other hikers paused and let us pass, saying things like:
“We aren't in a hurry.”
“Kids get the right of way!"
Or, cheering on our little one as she climbed a hill or found her balance while walking over roots.
The kindness and patience of others on the trail blew me away.
This felt like a stark contrast to the impatience that often seems to emerge when we're behind the wheel.
It makes me wonder what it could look like to channel a bit of “trail energy” out in the world—patience, kindness, and encouragement toward others.
A possible inquiry for the week ahead: where might we slow down, step aside, offer encouragement, or simply give someone else the right of way?
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