How I exercise my mind, body, and spirit

By going out into the world, I connect with myself. This satisfies one of my essential needs- spiritual connection. Yes, I do believe our answers lie within; I do believe that being still and quiet with ones-self connects us to our Spirit. But in my life I also connect to the divine when I am in a state of pure happiness, joy, and peace; and I find this to happen when I submerge myself in nature, surround myself by natural sights and sounds, and push myself physically. What is my practice of choice to experience peace? Hiking. Hiking allows me to exercise my body, mind, and spirit.

The first time I went on a long and intense hike, a trek, and smelled the trees, heard nothing but my footsteps and the wind, looked out at a green lake and up at a blue sky, I knew I had found my sacred spot- nature. Since then, when I go out for days or weeks I connect to myself, and, therefore, to God.

My favorite trips are the ones that last days- out in nature with only my backpack full of “essentials”. I love these trip because not only do I enjoy the space but I return to a simple state of mind and existence. For a short time, life is simpler.

I connect to my body- pushing myself physically sometimes through fatigue and soreness. I have learned the importance of respecting and caring for one‘s body.

I connect to my mind- my thoughts seem to focus on positive and beautiful things. Its difficult to be negative in such amazingly beautiful surroundings. At the same time, these quiet and peaceful places help me conquer and let go of any negativity or pain I may be carrying. In the end, its a time to reflect about my life journey, my relationships, how I am living, and of course, I always find time to go to that quiet place of stillness, of just “being“.

I connect to my spirit- I feel my mind, body, and spirit all together working in harmony; I feel connected to all living things; and in those moments, where I reach the top of the hill or turn the corner and there in front of me is the most AWESOME view that I have ever seen, I freeze! I am overwhelmed with admiration, and then the best part sinks in… PEACE- the most overwhelming sense of peace I have ever felt. It's a sense of being in the presence of the Divine, so strong, so intense, that many times I cry. These are the moments that re-energize me, that bring me back to my true self- all loving, compassionate and joyful self.

I look, breathe, and take it all in. And trust me, its a lot to take in.

These past two years I have learned to take these moments and experience them daily, by connecting with nature in some way, every day. I am grateful for that opportunity.

Last time I had this experience, I thought to myself, as I looked at the view in amazement- how beautiful would the world be if we looked at one another this way? If we were able to see such pure beauty and peace in each other. What helps you return to your inner essence, joy, and peace?