Adventure in Sedona's red rocks
We came to this magical place in 2018 - Sedona’s red rocks. The vibrant colors of the rocks with shades of red, orange, and brown swirled together in a mesmerizing dance. The energy of the earth was pulsing through the rocks, an ancient force that has shaped the landscape for millennia. Wandering amidst this pristine wonderland brought a sense of peace, as the sheer magnificence of the surroundings put everything else into perspective. Our minds were cleared, allowing us to fully embrace the simple pleasure of being alive and traversing through this inspiring place, which we could tangibly feel in our bodies.
During one of our initial hiking expeditions, we set out to explore Chimney Rock in the Mingus Mountain range. At one point, we encountered an area where the trail became quite steep and narrow, and we were not sure where we were. Tina's anxiety began to mount. Suddenly, she became frightened that we might become lost in the wilderness. Despite her growing apprehension, we continued along the path, hoping that we would eventually find our way back to the main trail.
As we progressed along the trail, we became increasingly isolated, with no one in sight to offer us assistance. We were on our own in the wilderness. As we continued to walk, we noticed some rock formations that looked familiar, and we followed them until we finally stumbled upon the main trail. We were in the clear.
Tina and I share a deep love for hiking. We roamed countless trails together, each one a new opportunity to explore the wondrous wilderness that surrounds us in the Verde Valley and Sedona. However, she carries within her a lingering fear that I have long been aware of - a persistent unease whenever she feels unsure of our whereabouts.
She loathes the thought of being lost in the great outdoors, and unable to find her way back home. Indeed, the mere prospect of being stranded renders her hesitant to venture out on her own. It is a comfort to her, she confides in me, to have company when hiking. The presence of other human beings within her field of vision provides a sense of security, a reminder that she is not truly alone in the vast expanse of nature. However, when the trail seems endless and the path uncertain, her fears can take hold of her heart. It reassures her to think that bloodhound dogs with their exquisite sense of smell would be able to track and find her.
It is with this in mind that Tina has expressed an interest in taking a wilderness survival course that would teach her navigation and survival skills if she ever gets lost. Though the idea of acquiring such skills fills her with hope, a sense of anxiousness still lingers in the back of her mind. Despite her enthusiasm, Tina knows that this course will not be a walk in the park.
Traveling to a foreign land
Now that I have a better understanding of the impact of an anxious mind, I am aware of the toll that my wife's anxiety took when she embarked on her first trip overseas. It was a joyous occasion, our honeymoon trip to my homeland, filled with love for adventure, but for her, it was a trying ordeal. The unfamiliar sights and sounds, the exotic cuisine and customs, and the language that flowed effortlessly from the lips of my family had all taken a toll on her.
Every step of the journey was not an easy task. From packing to navigating unfamiliar airports, Tina’s mind was filled up with novelty and the unexpected. Even when we arrived at our destination, she struggled to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
Despite the overwhelming disorientation, she soldiered on, determined to make the most of our trip and to immerse herself in the rich cultural tapestry that surrounded her. And so, as we traveled together through the winding streets of Belgrade, I held her hand, guiding her through the maze of new experiences and cultural differences.
The beginnings of fear
I asked Tina when she remembered was the first time that she was scared of being lost. She took a moment to reflect and sift through her memories for an answer, but initially drew a blank. After some contemplation, she recollected a family trip she had taken as an adult to the dense forests of Minnesota. While wandering alone amidst the towering trees that encircled a lake, she felt a sense of trepidation that stayed with her.
Her recollection reminded me of a time when we had ventured out in a little boat onto the lake, and she had suddenly become anxious because we had gone too far from shore. She explained that she needed to keep sight of the shoreline as a safety anchor. This is the important reason why she does not enjoy going on a cruise, as the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean would evoke feelings of unease within her, just as the dense forest had done before.
Does this disorienting fear ever grip me, you might ask? Well, the answer is yes. However, it is not a constant or overwhelming feeling, but rather an occasional nervousness that is showing up in me to a certain extent. This sensation can be best described as a combination of anticipation and anxiety, fueled by the ambiguity of the unknown.
At times, I find myself contemplating whether I possess the necessary strength and courage to navigate uncharted waters or pass over strange terrain without the familiar anchors that have buoyed me thus far. It is in these moments that my mind wanders, questioning my abilities and whether I am capable of adapting to new and challenging circumstances.
Because I have been exposed to a plethora of diverse environments, situations, and translocations, the fear of getting lost has become minuscule, a fleeting shadow that darts across my consciousness. The experiences that I have amassed, and the adventures that I have undertaken, have imbued me with a resilience and a steadfastness that renders this fear inconsequential. Once more, I have come to appreciate that confronting situations that previously I was afraid of has helped free me from an anxious mindset.
On the contrary, my beloved spouse has spent the majority of her life entrenched in the placid plains of North Dakota. The prospect of venturing beyond the confines of her comfort zone is an unnerving one, fraught with self-doubt and unpredictability. She seeks the solace of certainty, the refuge of safety and security, yet her mind and heart yearn for the thrill of adventure, the allure of the unknown. Such is the paradox of her being, a curious and daring soul installed within a cocoon of familiarity.
Evolutionary perspective
The fear of getting lost is a primal instinct that reverberates deep within us, echoing the very essence of our humanity. It is a reminder of our ancestors who braved the unknown terrains, guided only by their instincts and their wits.
The ancient art of navigation became a skill that was honed and perfected over millennia, a vital tool in the quest for survival. To get lost was to be stranded, cut off from one's tribe, from the life-giving resources that sustained them, and from the very fabric of their existence.
It is no wonder then that the fear of getting lost is etched deep within our genetic makeup, an evolutionary trait that has helped us to survive against all odds. This fear serves as a reminder of the dangers that lurk beyond the safety of our homes, of the perils that lie in waiting for the unwary and the unprepared.
And yet, even in our modern age, the fear of getting lost persists, a relic of a bygone era. We may no longer need to rely on our navigation skills to find our way back home, but the fear of the unknown, the fear of being adrift in an unfamiliar landscape, lingers still.
The mere thought of getting lost in the wilderness while hiking or trekking through the forest can trigger a shiver in the spine for many. We often cling to the safety of familiar paths and well-traveled trails, avoiding the risk of encountering dangerous wildlife or becoming disoriented and lost.
However, exploring new paths and uncharted territory can allow us to connect with nature in ways that we never thought possible. We can discover hidden waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and majestic landscapes that we may have otherwise missed if we stuck to familiar routes.
Adventure essentials
Are you feeling adventurous? If so, it's time to start packing your bags! As you prepare there are a few essential items that you need to take with you. A whistle is a small but important tool that can be used to signal for help if you get lost or need assistance. A flashlight will also come in handy if you find yourself in low-light conditions, and it can be a lifesaver if you're stranded after dark. And of course, a first-aid kit is an absolute must-have as it is a trusted water bottle on hand to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
If fear creeps in, don't let it take hold. Take deep breaths, center yourself with mindfulness techniques, and focus on the present moment. Fear of getting lost is often rooted in thoughts about the future. By focusing on the present moment, you can bring yourself back to the reality of the here and now. In addition, grounding techniques can be highly effective in centering oneself in the body, calming the mind, and reducing stress levels.
Coping with the help of qigong
Qigong is one of the effective ways to help bring focus to the present moment and cultivate a sense of inner peace. It involves slow, mindful movements, deep breathing, and visualization. When used as a grounding technique, qigong can be especially beneficial for individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by anxiety. By focusing on the breath and gentle movements, qigong redirects attention away from worrisome thoughts and brings it back to the present moment.
Tina, for instance, uses qigong as a grounding technique while hiking to stay centered and focused. By incorporating qigong into her outdoor routine, she is able to connect with nature and herself, which leaves her feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. As she practices the fluid movements of qigong, she is able to let go of body tension or worried mind and immerse herself in the beauty of the landscape because her vital energy flow is enhanced and harmonized bringing back the sense of well-being.
The art of gradual exposure
As I was writing this text, I had a strong desire to help Tina with her fear of getting lost, especially while hiking solo, by reminding her of the concept of gradual exposure. It is the art of slowly exposing oneself to challenges of increasing difficulty, kindling confidence, and assuaging anxiety in its wake.
I envisioned myself encouraging her to choose a well-defined trail, which would enable her to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings while practicing her navigation skills on her own. This would gift her with a sense of command and serenity as she embarked on her solo adventure. She would pause to enjoy the picturesque view, inhaling the refreshing air, and savoring the sensation of the ground beneath her feet. Step by step, she could cultivate confidence and gain the greater joy of hiking alone. Over time, she would be transformed into a more independent and adventurous person, eager to explore new trails and vistas with enthusiasm and curiosity.
The liberating power of nature
My aim was to embolden Tina to have faith in the synchronicity of the universe and remain receptive to any signs or guidance that may manifest during her hike. She could learn to trust in her own abilities and intuition, while also feeling supported and guided by something greater than herself.
I wish for Tina and all those who struggle with fear to have a profound experience of nature's ethereal essence, which carries the potential to liberate one from the clutches of the fear of being lost. The majestic grandeur of the towering trees and the serenity of the babbling brooks can instill a sense of deep-rooted connection and tranquility within the human soul.
When one immerses themselves in the spirituality of nature, they are filled with awe and wonder of the natural world. In such a state, they approach nature with reverence and respect, knowing that they are merely a part of a larger, intricate web of life. Through this spiritual communion, the fear of getting lost gradually dissipates, replaced by a sense of calmness and serenity, the inner peace that radiates from within.
As one traverses the rugged terrain of the wilderness, they are enveloped in the soothing embrace of nature, their worries and fears fading into insignificance. They are no longer lost in the maze of their own thoughts, but instead, find themselves at home in the vast expanse of the natural world.
With this intention, I shall conclude this piece of writing by sharing the spiritual insight that Chunyi Lin, Tina's qigong teacher, emphasizes regarding the interrelation of body, mind, and spirit. His mantra, which promotes unity with the body and the cosmos, is "I am in the universe, the universe is in my body, the universe and I combine together." In this profound statement, we are reminded that the universe is not a mere collection of isolated entities, but a tapestry of interconnected threads woven together in perfect harmony. Through embracing it we cultivate a deep sense of awareness and attunement to the world around us, finding solace and release from the shackles of fear and detachment. Let us heed this wisdom and embark on a journey of unity with the cosmos and nature, for therein lies the path to the beautiful state of mind.
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