As I was considering what route to take to complete my Seva project, I was at first not fully considering the Grey Rock Hike. The idea behind the Seva project is to bring service to others, a community – whatever that may look like. While going for a hike absolutely sounded enjoyable and was right in line with my personal interests, something about it didn’t strike me as an act of servitude. But still, as my journey through the 200 hour yoga teacher training began to wind down, I felt more and more drawn to the hike. So when the morning came for me to pack my hiking bag and slather on sunscreen, I was open and curious to what take-aways I would have at the end of the trail.
There were many things that took place on the hike that I was expecting—the sweat, the climbing, the breath-taking views, the comradery that would inevitably build by hiking with others. But there was a lot more going on than that. There was a lot of subtle energies being mixed and moved behind the scenes, and as I have stopped to reflect on this hike after the fact, I can feel the resonance of what’s left there.
Spending time in nature is healing. It’s coming home to ourselves in a stillness and harmony that’s unmatchable in our manmade world. I was looking at the Grey Rock Hike from the wrong angle. At first I was looking at the hike itself and asking the question “how am I giving back by going on this hike?” What I didn’t realize was what I would be gaining. And the things that I would be gaining were perfect gifts to pay forward to my peers, my community, my family.
I was filled with quiet. With peace. In the vast sprawl of nature’s wild heart, I found my own heart. I reconnected with my tenderness and child-like curiosity. I left that trail feeling washed anew, with bright eyes ready to expand this blissful peace to those that I encounter on a daily basis.
This hike has helped remind me that the act of servitude, of giving back, has to start with filling our own heart’s cup. It’s critically important for all of us to tend to our own hearts, and what better place to find sanctuary than our mother Earth. By being a good steward to myself, I am so much more equipped to impart the love, compassion and gentleness that we all so dearly need.
Namaste
Jessica Glaspy
Hi, Jessica! This is a great story! You`re a really good writer. It was inspirational to read of all the energy you gained on this hike and I hope it will motivate more people to give the nature a chance to do its magic on them. I was wondering, what do you think is about a hiking that helps our energy the most?