[pct-l] Admin Note: God and the Trail

[dianalindsay at hotmail.com (Diana Lindsay)]

I think we all go out into the wilderness for a variety of reasons -- the
challenge, the inspiration, to get to know ourselves in a way that is not
possible with daily distractions, to share the experience with others (if we
are not alone), to live totally in the present concerned with the here and
now of each day dealing with one day at a time, to meld with the moment and
be totally conscious of everything around you--even the rhythm of your
breathing, to test your limits, to commune with a higher spirit if that is
your inclination, and to find a sense of peace and calm in the simplicity of
each day. Certainly there is a sense of awe with the sights of each day and
an awareness of our own fragility and the preciousness of life and health
which allows us to experience the wilderness in such a complete way. It is
the intensity of the experience that makes each one think he has found the
truth -- and to each, in his own way, he has. It is like the old story of
the five blind men who feel different parts of an elephant and relate their
experiences and are convinced their description of what they had touched is
the truth, whether it be the trunk, the tail, the hide, the leg, or the ear.
There is truth in each description because each has experienced something
unique.

I have found the readings about God and the Trail entertaining in that each
one reminds me of the blind man insistent that his description is correct.
-- Swifty

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Mtnned@aol.com
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 4:57 PM
To: pct-l-adms@backcountry.net
Cc: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Admin Note: God and the Trail

To Whom It May Concern,
 
I hiked the trail, largely alone, back in 1974.  I had never met  another 
thru hiker until I attended the ADZ this past April, 31 years  later.  I
dearly 
wanted to see if there was anyone there with whom I could  discuss the 
spiritual aspects of the Journey.  I was sadly  disappointed.
 
Thereafter I made a few forays on this List and was soundly rebuffed for my

"spiritual trespassing."  Recently I have tried to initiate some kind of  
dialog on the spiritual side of long distance hiking as, it appears, you
have  
noticed, and have had some response. 
 
It is not my intention to "preach" with the purpose of changing other  
peoples' minds regarding how they feel about their spiritual revelations on
their 
trips, rather only to find out how they feel on the  subject.
 
I don't care what a person calls it, this Great Backpacker In The Sky, as  
Strider calls it, only that we talk about it.  (Unless, of course, it is a  
banned subject.)  People throughout history have gone into the mountains to
find 
solace, clear their minds, and commune with "mother nature."  The  spiritual

side of mountaineering is a huge part of what it's all about.  It  should be

something that we can talk about without taking offense with each  person's 
beliefs.
 
I concur, there should be guidelines understood that allow us to  talk about

our spiritual revelations on trail. Let's agree to disagree.  No  fighting
or 
you're out.  Deeper discussions go of-List.  Etc.,  etc....
 
My deepest appologies for any offenses I may have caused,
 
mtnned
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