Last Sunday I went on a seriously tough hike. La Traversée du Bargy via le couloir des Ranges up to La Pointe Blanche (Haute-Savoie forever 😎 ). 1800 meters of cumulative ascent and 15 kilometers.
I knew it would be a beast of a hike, and confident in my abilities to endure, I consciously signed up for the challenge.
Climbing through that steep, rocky corridor was a funny game I really enjoyed, and the view up-hill was mind-blowing.
Yet, there came a point during the hike when the joy started to fade, despite the awesome company and the stunning scenery. You know, that very moment when fatigue and pain take over pleasure. Body on autopilot mode. Gaze fixed on my feet. Brain racing with thoughts like:
> What the hell am I doing here? Anything past 1500m of ascent is too much.
> I can’t keep up with the others, I’m feeling like a wreck.
> Is all this suffering really worth it?
> There are plenty of beautiful hikes that don’t hurt this much. What is driving me into this?
… And so on.
I felt utterly disconnected and my energy was draining fast.
But then, in the middle of this mental storm, a spark of clarity emerged.
I consciously slowed my pace, aligning it with the rhythm of nature’s call. And that small adjustment changed everything.
I lifted my gaze, embraced the landscape, took a few pics and smiled. Who cares if my friends had to wait a few extra minutes? After all, we will spend more than 10 hours hiking together. What difference do a few minutes make when you are forging unforgettable memories?
I’ve come to realize that slowing down is my remedy when I start feeling ungrounded and my mind becomes frenetic. I know it for years. But it’s not something that comes naturally yet. It requires practice. And that’s perfectly fine! I am committed to keep practicing (especially since I’m eager to embark on more challenging hikes in the future!)
I’d love to hear from YOU …
What is a part of your life where slowing down could work wonders? And what have you been doing to make that happen?
Keep practicing!
Love,
Delphine