I take to the woods when I need a dose of nature to balance life. While I\u2019m a pretty experienced hiker, my friend, Karen, is a much better hiker than I am (read: less afraid of falling down the side of the mountain!) She\u2019s the kind of hiker who sees hawks where I see tree limbs, who can spot animals as soon as she hears the crackling of a branch, and who knows her way back out of the woods (and without whom, I would certainly not). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am really good at climbing up hills and rocks, but fairly terrible at making my way back down. I feel like there is less ability to balance on the hike back down, and you need to have faith that the rocks and branches will support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karen and I took a new hike recently in Skippack. It was absolutely beautiful and the views overlooking the woods and creek were well worth the climb. However, this meant the path was full of sections where we had to \u201cmake our way back down.\u201d By the time we had to hike back down, it had started to rain a bit. The rocks were slick, the leaves were slicker, and I tried to hide my discomfort as we started on our way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I did not say a word to Karen about my fears. Karen forged the path ahead of us and, once she made it down the rocks first, turned to me with her hand out and offered me support. She did not say a word to me, either \u2014 no direction, no judgement; she just held her hand out, offering support when I needed it most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n