Why so at ease in the wild places?

Why do some of us find ourselves most at ease in the middle of the quiet, wild places?

Why am I my most relaxed when running up and then down mountain trails as fast as I can, on the very edge of my capabilities?

Well, it's taken me a while to figure out how to find mindfulness and reflection in my life.

It never used to come naturally - always thinking of what's next and rarely taking time to take a step back.

Apparently my nickname in primary school was 'lively Luke'. It fitted pretty well.

Then years later, in hospital in Edinburgh awaiting brain surgery, I sat and watched the sun set as it silhouetted the Pentland Hills from my ward bed.

And here, I had the chance to reflect; I had nowhere to go.

And I promised myself, that when (not if) I got out, I'd be there - right there - exploring those hills; grateful for each moment, and for my legs and mind that could carry me round.

So when able, I did.

And I found that running slowly and purposefully uphill, legs aching, lungs swelling, mind sharp in concentration with every step, gave me a sense of calm and enjoyment I had never, ever, felt before.

(And in case of doubt, this feeling was well after the morphine had worn off...)

And then...running downhill...well...WOW! I feel like I'm flying! The mind focused; the endorphins kicking and then just...flowing.

My love for the trails and the flow-state was born.

Very soon after, I found that exact same feeling again, when skiing uphill and flat - often for very very long distances.

Here, there is only nature to observe, changing form purposefully and deliberately, allowing my conscious mind to do the same.

There is a quality to these places that endears itself to meditation - and those that can’t meditate sitting still.

So nowadays, I still think of what's next, but I think more of what's been now, too. And if I lose track, I go outside.

Henry David Thoreau, said:

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”

So, why not give it a try?

At ease, you can find time to ask the questions you haven’t had time to ask or answer: What's working in your life? What’s making you happy?

And what isn't.

And then use this time to keep moving forward.

Read more of our blogs here or get in touch, for motivational speaking enquiries or anything else, here.