Your Own Shangri-La
Shangri-La… mystical, earthly paradise, hidden from the known world. An iconic fictional destination. What if there really is a Shangri-La? A place of stunning beauty and harmony, where the rest of the world’s troubles feel non-existent? We all have the power to find a personal sanctuary of tranquility. Though I’ve been in many fitness classes that guide students to “be in the moment,” I am not an expert on meditation or mindfulness. Having spent much of my life feeling hyper, edgy and impatient, I do not find peace of mind easily. And yet, I have discovered my Shangri-La. Make that plural: Shangri-Las. From early childhood, no matter what storms were brewing on whatever front, a walk through the woods, along the creek, or through the fields near my house transported me away from emotional turmoil. Heart-gripping, sob-inducing troubles dissipated as I put one foot in front of the other, pushing through dense brush, climbing through fences, following barely visible ancient paths. Every hiking site noted in HikingAutism.com has offered me some level of calm and focus. Shangri-La, the elusive place of beauty and harmony, exists at any given moment in the place we happen to be standing. It is a state of mind and perception. I am grateful to live in a place where every direction holds the potential for a Shangri-La mental break. Step outside to look at the sunrise, the sunset, flowers near your home. The uplifting benefits of “living in the moment” with nature in view are simultaneously priceless and free of charge. This week’s Hike Notes take us to a place that offers plenty of Shangri-La caliber views, Fort Funston Upper Trails. Leash-free status makes it a hot spot for walking dogs, but plenty of us enjoy walks there without owning a dog. Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes. New this week: Hike Notes 95: Fort Funston Upper Trails
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Lisa LouisSharing insights and hiking highlights (Hikes, Hike Search by Area) from the special needs caregiver front in San Francisco. Archives
November 2024
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