A Hike Remembered – Find What Ignites You (revised)

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

I found myself lost, hiking through an absolutely magical place – the lamington national park. Alone and with my thoughts and a true masterpiece of one of Mother Nature’s beautiful creations!

The splendour and chaotic beauty of nature. The succulent growth of trees, vines, leaves, water, waterfalls, that combine to form a breathtaking piece of art. How grateful that I get to experience such wonder. And truly grateful for those people who act to protect these places. I hope that the future generation may witness and enjoy such experiences.

It’s something I don’t do enough of. At this particular time of my life, I was a fan of creating vision boards for myself, annually. Essentially visual cues for what I desired to focus on and achieve moving into the year ahead. One of those visions was better health that included pictures of mountains and people hiking. I wanted to do more of it.

It took me time to get started. I still don’t do nearly as much as I’d like. I hoped that I could make a healthy habit out of it. Build hiking into my routine to drown out some less desirable behaviours. And so, six months later here I was a good few hours into what was a 17km walk.

Why do we put off those things we wish to do? There are obstacles and excuses. A wedding this weekend. That next my daughter was ill. Things always pop up. I did one hike and then for weeks, nothing! Miss a few, break the chain and the cycle becomes obsolete. I feel so guilty when I deny what the heart desires.

On the morning of this hike, I remember laying in bed. I laid there for ten minutes analysing my thoughts and assessing my mood and the day ahead – nothing too uncommon. The plan was clear, the mission was simple – wake up and go on this hike.

In the lead up it took a little bit of mental preparation and sure enough, this time it worked. I was in the car and on my way. Halfway on the journey there I started to second guess myself. I played a little game of procrastination. One voice telling me to turn around, the other, well, it clearly won. “Push on.” I was almost a point of turning around and heading home.

Don’t you just love the little game of tug-o-wars we play with ourselves?

I am curious about behaviour change and the disagreements that occur within one’s mind. Often when we wish to adopt a new habit or do something that we desire there a moment of hesitation. The fear of moving into unchartered territory. It’s never as bad as the subconscious mind makes us believe. But perhaps the motivation of escaping the fear is greater than the motivation of doing what we desire, what we dream about.

We must remain strong and fight the incongruent thoughts. Understand that what have to push beyond our comfort zone so we can move towards what we wish to do. It may be different or unfamiliar from the norm. It may even be uncomfortable, but this is life, this is progress. Growth is a fundamental human need.

As I veer off topic I find myself zoning back into the present moment as I continue to wind my way through this dense subtropical forest. The rain blanketed from the thick upper growth makes its way down dusting my face ever so lightly. Not deterred, because I find it brings out the greens and the sound of the drops of rain makes this hike that little bit more special. A little bit more memorable.

Feeling so dilated with happiness and freedom I begin to appreciate why I decided to go on this hike today. Grateful to be lost in the serenity of nature. It made me think why doing what ignites us in life is so very important.

Such activities can be small. They need not be a 17-kilometre hike. It needn’t be a hike at all. It could be taking time out to write a poem or spending some time reading a book. It may be to volunteer down at the local church or to spend more time connecting with someone very close to you. It could be fishing, surfing, or playing dodgeball with some friends. It is about doing those things that break up the monotony of everyday life.

The things of joy. Those things that bring out our passion. That which reminds that this is life.

It’s about doing those activities you love as often as you can.

I love to hike. I enjoy going for walk in the morning. I find great joy jogging or doing a 30-minute yoga routine in before I write or meditate. These are similar feelings that flooded me during my venture on this hike.

They may increase the blood flow to my brain and energise me for the day ahead. They help bring about natural endorphins that heal me and satisfy me. The produce greater focus and clarity. They pepper my life with love and happiness. They make me realise what it truly means to live.

Have you ever tried to hold your head underwater for as long as possible?

You get to a point in which you cannot hold your breath anymore. You have to come up to the surface. And then, when you do reach the surface you experience the most vitalising breath of air. It is like no other. You are thankful. Elated with gratitude. A powerful energy floods your body and once again you feel alive. And all it took was one focused and much-desired breath of air – something that most days we take for granted.

Out here I am absolutely isolated. Nothing distracts me other than my thoughts and even they seem tamed by the tranquil state of being lost in nature. I smell the soil and the rain. I can hear the gushing waterfalls and the sound of cicadas and birds. I taste the air and feel the humidity and moisture on my skin. The mind is relaxed. It’s creative. There are little worries about the past or future. I am present.

Doing what we love. Breaking free from the monotony of everyday life is freeing. It will bring us beyond confusion and unease into a clearer sense of what matters in life. It can lead us to a deeper sense of purpose in life. When we return, for whatever period we escaped, we are better able to face the challenges ahead.

Take the time out to pursue what you desire. If it doesn’t ignite you there is no great loss, just lessons in time. Nothing ventured nothing gained. If however, you deny these experiences you will limit the grandness that may otherwise ignite your life. This life is a hike to be remembered, and we will experience it more beautifully by doing what ignites us.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.