Spiritual Hikes to Soothe the Soul

Connect with the Divine – plan a hike today!

Hikes Connect Us with Mother Nature

After a long, wet, and gray winter, the first glimpse of spring tends to incite a bit of frenzy among those “spiritual prospectors” looking to get out and reconnect with Mother Nature! As John Muir once stated, “the mountains are calling and I must go.” By hitting the trails now, the readier we will be to tackle those longer hikes with great weather and longer days during the summer months. Here are few tips to help us get ready for an awesome hike!

Planning & Weather Considerations

Planning – As with any hiking trip, planning the hike is paramount. Trip reports from several hiking websites can guide us to the right trail at the right time of the season.

Weather – Mother Nature has her own forecast, so make sure to check in with local weather reports. Use mobile weather applications on your phone for real-time updates. If you need more personal assistance, visit the knowledgeable staff at many ranger stations or information centers. They most always have the latest updates on constant weather changes, especially in large mountain ranges and longer hikes.

Don’t let the rain and snow keep us inside! If we do, we will be missing out on many great outdoor experiences, views, and unique outdoor opportunities. With comfortable and appropriate gear for the spring months, we can hike safely in the rain. Carrying extra clothing (also called layering) is vital, particularly when hiking during the spring months and changing weather patterns.

Physical Conditioning for Hikes

Conditioning & Fitness – When we prepare and get out for spring hikes, our conditioning and endurance will have us in tip-top form for the long, beautiful summer hikes ahead! Increasing lung capacity with strengthened muscles will have us strutting down the path in no time. Enjoying those summer hikes with a deeper connection to nature happens when we take the time to prepare our mind, lungs, and muscles and do not have to focus on all the huffing and puffing.

Planning and preparation are always worth the effort, especially when it comes to hiking in the great outdoors.

A Positive Mindset is Important on Hikes

Preparing the Mindset – A lot of people do not like hiking in the spring because of the changing weather patterns and constant rain. It is tough to have a good time or enjoy a spring hike if we are feeling uncomfortable. So, planning and gearing up properly for a “singing in the rain”-type hike is paramount.

Enjoying yourself and the spring hike in what can be less-than-ideal weather requires more than preparing, the right type of gear, or proper outerwear. It also requires a change in our mindset and how we approach a hike during the spring months. If we are well prepared for the weather, we find it helps to be willing to be a little creative and receptive to rainy spring hikes. We may find them to be very enjoyable, and usually, can have the trail all to ourselves! “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer.

Accept the Wet Weather and Stay Positive – When we look past the weather and rain or snow coming down, we can be a part of a beautiful, coming-alive environment with the growth of many plants. This includes a jungle of lush green moss, the budding of some flowers or mushrooms, to even a few small animal sightings, depending on the location of the hike.

The sky may be dark and dreary on our spring hike, but your outlook can be as bright as the sun and as dry as the desert. During a spring hike with even the best rain gear, we will get wet. This is part of the experience of learning, connecting, and interacting directly Mother Nature herself. Always make sure to carry along ‘The 10 Essentials of Hiking’ on all upcoming hikes!

Soul Soothing in Nature’s Playground

Most Importantly – Enjoy the peace and quiet of a spring hike as it soothes and heals the soul. Trails can typically be less crowded with people, their animals (on or off a leash), or trail conversations from others that can echo up the trail. Just be with the sounds of nature, our thoughts, and maybe even the sounds of labored breathing. We lay the foundations for better conditioning, fitness, and endurance for those nice, warm, and enjoyable summer hikes ahead of us!

“Take the time to disconnect so that you may have the time to reconnect.” ~The Intuitive Prospector