Today on the trail in Organ Mountain (Dripping Spring trail) we watched a man with two daughters have to be medically removed from the trail. It wasn’t an easy trail but also wasn’t too steep, or hot or anything. It made me think of all the “hellos,” and other greetings usually uttered by hikers to one another along the trail. And also made me think of the nonverbal nod and the the “look” that those of us who are less than physically fit have when we evaluate another person who is possibly older, possibly fatter or just not looking happy while hiking. It dawned on me a couple days ago that I also have that thought pattern and now I see it on other peoples’ faces – if that person can make this trail, then so can I!
At first, I told myself, you are being rude evaluating the physical condition of these other people. And then today,I realized when I could see this guy was in trouble, that “evaluating” thought is not a put down about them (after all I don’t even know them) but rather a mental reinforcer for me. I have never been motivated by a coach or parent yelling at me to move harder or faster. I don’t have a bucket list of hard physical things I want to do…rather I want to enjoy the hike, walk or movement in the pool. When I see that someone else in less than fit conditioning made that trail, I really should keep trying. And also, having seen others who had to stop and let the members of the group with good knees go on, that it is ok to say I can’t do this specific trail any more. I don’t want to fall or have to be removed from a trail by the ranger, I have to do what I really can do. And not be a wimpy baby because it is hot (my normal issue!)
my last note- it looked like the guy was going to be ok since the ambulance didn’t take off screaming to the hospital. And Mama came to get the girls. Phew….by for now!