Seeing Past

Seeing Past
            Our senses are remarkably capable of tuning out extraneous “noise” that makes sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical stimuli seem like a jumbled mess.
            We focus like a laser on the smell of pumpkin pie, even with a dozen other aromas in the air.
            We gaze at a painting and the surrounding visuals fade from sight. We distinguish the sound of our own child’s voice from those of twenty kids at the playground.
            One brightly flavored food item can cleanse the palate of the half dozen other tastes in our mouth. The feeling of a hug can transcend the pain of an injury, at least for a moment.
            What if these five senses and beyond—including our complex, multilayered senses that deal with stress and trauma—are pummeled from all sides simultaneously? How can we find focus?
            Tapping into our instinctive ability to hone in on a particular point helps us get through confusing, alarming times.
            The turmoil of political chaos, a pandemic, and social unrest combined make for an intense, multi-level attack on our sensory intake system.
            Pause and breathe. Stand still and look beyond the tangled branches. Past the confusing clutter, find something to look toward with optimism. Hope and clarity are always floating around us, they’re just hard to see sometimes.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach. Lands End Trail offers dramatic views, fog or sunshine, with various views of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 3): Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach