By Nancy Paton
Hiking has many benefits. I noticed recently that I have very good balance. My feet feel grounded on the earth. In order to traverse uneven ground and frequently climb uphill and downhill, your body naturally develops the ability to adjust to the physical demands of hiking. I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve come to this place. In the past, I dipped my toes into several potential careers. Nothing ever felt right. I could not conform to a so-called “traditional” life. Since I gave up most of my past pursuits, my interests have turned to nature, hiking, and photography. They have taken precedence, and there is one primary reason: when I’m in the forest, I hear my Creator sing. The forest is where I feel the most connected to my Source and where my mind finds rest in stillness. The forest can also be a place where you face your fears. I wrote about this in the following excerpt, “The Forest Speaks.” The messages and images I encounter are often metaphorical or symbolic in nature. It’s been a few years since I wrote the following, but it’s still relevant today:
As we journey through the forest, what does the forest say to us? Perhaps the forest doesn’t speak in words but as a silent, all-pervading presence. It opens a window into that which we have been afraid to face. It’s important that we traverse the darkness with a trusted guide. Our trusted guide could be symbolized as an Inner Light, the Holy Spirit, or any other symbol that represents a power greater than ourselves. The point is not to enter the darkness alone. There was a time when I was afraid to hike in the woods. I was expecting something to pop out at me at every turn. After many years of hiking adventures, I’ve lost most of that fear. I attribute it to my openness to face inner demons through spiritual practice. But every now and then, a moment of fear temps me to be fearful of shadows. Once I realize that a shadow isn’t real, I can laugh and move along on my journey.
An example of a time when I faced fear in the woods happened about a year ago during an early morning hike. I noticed a dark figure off in the distance, out of the corner of my eye; as I approached the object, I imagined the figure resembled a monster running through the forest. It turned out to be a black, wet, slanted dead tree. The limbs of the tree resembled outstretched arms. I often give titles to my photos. I entitled the dark figure “Running Monster.” I’ve always loved the sense of mystery that the forest represents, but I also wonder, what else am I seeing or perceiving that is not really there?
I have always had a fear of falling and heights. While hiking, I tend to avoid paths that are too rocky or steep. It would help if I had two hiking poles instead of one, but hiking with two poles is cumbersome. I need a free arm and hand for shooting photos. After finding myself in a precarious situation, I may have to rethink my strategy. An incident happened when I got lost on a trail. I ended up on a strange loop. I kept passing a downhill trail that led to the parking lot, but it was extremely rocky and steep. After continuing to walk in circles and going nowhere, I abruptly decided to go down the hill regardless of my fear. I felt like the universe was encouraging me to do so and to move past the fear.
The decision to go down the steep, rocky embankment was made quickly. I didn’t have time to think. Without thought, my body just moved. For most of the climb down, I had to scoot on my rear. There were many sharp and jagged rocks to slowly traverse. About halfway down, I got a bit freaked out and considered calling the park rangers or even 911. I sat on a rock in limbo for a few moments, trying to decide what to do. I didn’t like the thought of having to be rescued and having to explain my predicament, so I kept on going. By the time I finally reached the bottom, I was drenched in sweat. When I got to my car, I seriously questioned my sanity. I thought, “I’m seventy years old. What was I thinking?” But it wasn’t until later in the day that I actually felt a sense of accomplishment. I had faced my fear and lived through it.
My interest in the symbolic began many years ago when I started receiving symbolic and often times prophetic dreams. That interest eventually led to the study of art therapy. Although I don’t formally work as an art therapist today, it was the catalyst for many group art exhibitions I organized over a period of about ten years. When I’ve committed to a project, the Universe, God, or what you could call my Higher mind, becomes activated, and I start receiving guidance that comes through dreams, images, or ideas that appear in my mind. The title for this article, “The Forest – Where the Creator Sings,” came to my mind as I was entering the woods preparing to go on a hike. When serendipitous instances start, I know I’m on the right path with my writing or any other project I pursue.
The forest can speak to us through holy encounters with animals, plants, the sky, and bodies of water. Very often, when we least expect it. During a recent hike, I contemplated the meaning of an owl’s appearance. Owls can represent many things. We must ask, “What are you here to teach me?” “What is it that I need to know?” At first, I thought the owl’s appearance represented a symbol of wisdom, but that was not the message it came to teach. Because the experience stopped my mind, I’ve come to see that the overall message was that we’re looking for power and strength in everything but our own still and silent mind. It was a reminder to return to the place of quiet and holiness in my mind. Moments spent with the animals, trees, and the stillness of the forest are to be engulfed within an expansive, all-encompassing sense of wholeness. It’s a state of mind that can only be experienced. I’m grateful for the time I’m allowed to wander amongst the trees.
Nancy Paton has a master’s in art therapy from Wayne State University. The topics most interesting to her are the arts, such as meditation, deciphering symbolism in dreams and art, and the power of stillness. Nancy has been presenting talks and workshops since 1998. Nancy can be reached at arts4enlightenment@gmail.com or by phone at 734-707-9231.
