My Dear Friends,

Having an introverted nature does not mean I don’t love my fellow humans. It just means that I regain energy in solitude. However, too much isolation can cause troubles, too.

I almost skipped hiking Arches because of how much I prefer to hike alone! It wasn’t a busy time of year, but there were still many people on the trails. Because I wanted to enjoy being there, I started mentally expressing gratitude for those who take care of our national parks, and the many people who come from all over the world to glory in the majesty of God’s natural wonders. As I began looking at others as fellow adventurers, my heart leaned into them. We smiled and offered greetings, knowing we would share the upcoming treasures.

It was beautiful to listen to acoustic guitar tones echoing off sandstone ledges near Delicate Arch. The young musician’s long hair blew around his face as
friends sat in a circle around him. A young couple waited for me, knowing the climb up a small ledge might prove difficult. I appreciated the hand up. A family was grateful I took a picture of them together, and offered to take one of me. It was helpful to see others make it over difficult trail passages. We offered each other encouragement.

After Arches, I drove into the mountains for a three day meditation and poetry retreat. I love to meditate alone, but it is also comforting to join with like-minded beings. Sharing meditation with others has helped me get to know so many lovely people, including many of you!

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, following it’s participants for over 80 years now, found that one of the greatest indicators of a long, happy life is strong social connections.

Sharing the trail, in so many ways lately, is a real blessing. Hiking, meditation, a new church congregation, even my neighbors in apartment living, help me feel like we’re all in this together.

We are never really alone. Let’s all reach out to one another with gratitude and compassion on the trails we wander, helping each other over the tough patches and sharing in the joy.

With Gratitude for All of YOU,
Cristina