An Adventure in Well-Being

Monsoon weather was predicted in Rocky Mountain National Park for the entire week of our planned backpacking trip. “Are you having any second thoughts about going?” my friends and family asked. Of course I was, and I was completely committed to this adventure with campsite reservations made, equipment borrowed and bear box rented!

We (my good friend and myself) prepared ourselves physically and emotionally that there would be rain; it would stop; there would be more rain. Without attachment to the weather, we were determined to have the full experience of hiking and sleeping in the beautiful Colorado Rockies, as two strong and self-sufficient women–who hadn’t backpacked in over 20 years!

The mindset of not expecting the perfect experience gave us the perfect experience. We did not worry, predict or focus on things that were out of our control, like the quickly changing weather in the mountains. We were completely present, making decisions according to how we felt in order to get our basic needs met with food, water and shelter.

What a gift it is to completely immerse yourself in the presence of nature without the noise of the world to keep you busy and running as fast as you can to keep up. After slowing down our movement (we still clocked over 20 miles in 3 days) and mindset, the emails, to-do lists, and anxiety that goes with them fell away. The present moment gives you the important perspective of what matters most with a true sense of well-being.

This 3-day back-packing adventure turned out to be a highlight of my summer! Not because of perfect weather, sleep, or food, but because I learned a lot about myself, feeling more empowered, grounded, and grateful for creating and completing an adventure despite some adversity.

Adventure involves something a little scary before you do it and exhilarating (or at least satisfying) afterward. Adventure keeps you vital and awake and alive because it gives you a confidence that contributes to your well-being.

You don’t have to backpack in the rain for 3 days, but what adventure could you create to slow you down, get grounded, and feel good about yourself?