Quiet and Enduring

Quiet and Enduring
            Where do we look for assurance when dark news pops up in every direction, changing the solid sense of a foundation under our feet to jello?
            We first turn inward, using skills honed through life experience to maintain calm. We focus. We breathe. We regulate our intake of information to stabilize overstimulated minds and bodies. 
            When one too many disturbances shakes our faith in humanity, and our self-support battery has run down, we reach beyond ourselves.
            Maybe it’s an older relative who always has a wise insight to share. It may be a quiet, steadfast friend who we don’t see often but share an unwavering sense of solidarity with. We know if we reach out and say, “I’m feeling overwhelmed by the world’s troubles. How about you?,” there will be a calming spirit of camaraderie in whatever words come back to us.
            Recent news cycles have relentlessly pounded the world’s collective psyche. These are the times we check in with the favorite aunt, the quiet old friend, the faithful neighbor we know we can open our heart to.
            May we all cultivate such important people in our lives, and more importantly, may each of us have the honor of being that person for someone else who needs to reach out when times are tough.
         Speaking of tapping into treasured resources, I am very thankful to share new World Walks contribution Hopedale Pond and Parklands from Marjorie Turner Hollman, steadfast friend of HikingAutism. Kindred spirit Marjorie deftly writes about matters of the heart amidst challenging times, while sharing the joys of walking in nature.
         This week’s Hike Notes are from the HikingAutism archives, China Camp Campsite to Chicken Coop Hill. The autumn colors in the Hopedale Pond and Parklands World Walks reminded me of the glowing golden light we’ve experienced on China Camp walks.
            Do you have a favorite walk? Share with readers in World Walks! Two or three sentences and photos allow other readers to share your special hike. See the World Walks link for how to submit your walk to share. It’s easy!
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 49): China Camp Campsite to Chicken Coop Hill
 
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