Which path do you choose? And how do you choose it? We went for a wander in the woods and it was a revelation of possibility and choice.
How do you approach your path? Are you on a ten-lane highway? A country road? A well-worn trail that generations of humans have moved along before you? Or are you forging your own path, wandering through the woods, hopeful that sooner or later you’ll find what you’re looking for—even if you don’t know exactly what it is yet.
Have you been running in a loop, so quickly that you can’t even see that there is a way out? Did you know it was a loop or did you think it was leading somewhere? Do you feel like you have to keep running no matter what, even if there’s a part of you that wants nothing more than to stop, take a breath and sit still for a while?
We took turns choosing paths through the woods, choosing where to step, where to stop and take photos, which fork to choose. One person sets the pace and everyone else follows. Shannon sped up and we all noticed how good it felt to move quickly. We also followed her steps more closely: around the fallen tree, past the scenic view point, keep going, keep up, keep an eye on where you’re stepping so you don’t trip or stumble, keep focused but aware: is everyone else okay? Has someone fallen behind? No? Good. Let’s keep going.
On a new path, there’s an enormous sense of wonder.
Look, a waterfall! See those mushrooms? The way the light filters through the trees? Another waterfall!? WHAAAAT!!? It’s so beautiful, let’s stop here for a while and listen to the rushing water. Okay, back to the path again, the one that hundreds, no, thousands of other humans and animals have walked over time. Another even bigger waterfall?! Are you seeing this??!!! I’m so glad we’re taking our time. I’m so glad we’re here together!
The way back feels much shorter. Is this the right way? Yes, see there’s that tree that looks like a house. There’s the spot on the river where we paused to take photos. Don’t slip on the way down, it’s easier but we’re also moving faster, we know this already, we’re paying attention to different things now, or maybe in our heads because we’re looking forward to getting to what’s next: to the chalet, to snacks, to a bathroom, to a glass of wine.
I realized that for me, while the journey feels more important than the destination, I sometimes get so caught up with getting to the end of the trail that I forget why I’m even moving on it.
Knowing that there’s a beautiful waterfall or big view point up ahead begins to take over and suddenly, I’m not paying as much attention to everything around me, to the journey, to how I feel. I’m even losing connection with the people I’m with, so focused on getting there, to the end, that I miss the incredible richness of the experience.
Fortunately, I have practiced catching myself, bringing myself back to where I am—to now. And when it’s hard and I’m stuck in my head, I know I can laugh or stop or move faster: do something that will change how I’m being, bring me back from my mind to my body. Then, I can choose again. I can change pace. I can turn around. I can ask someone else to lead. I can pick a new path. I simply sit and watch the bright autumn leaves whirl and arc through the air as they are caught by gusts of wind.
The beauty of being human is that the paths are infinite. We get to choose how and when and with whom we travel. That’s the deepest source of gratitude I feel today. I have chosen a path of connection and wonder and play and learning and creation. I trust that the people who want to walk alongside me will be there for shared moments. I trust that the mountain peak I’m moving toward will continue to get closer. I know that there are so many paths I can take to get to the top of that mountain… and even when I get there, it’s not the end of the journey. It’s a new beginning.
So…which path do you pick?
