Perspective
Two weeks ago I read a quote by Stephen Furtick ~ NY Times best selling Author and Christian Pastor:
No surprise, I’ve been thinking about perspective since then. Attitude, and how we look at something, will either shrink or expand us for sure.
Case in point. The same week I read the above quote, I signed up to attend an event at REI called: Secrets of Aging Well - Get Outside. When 5:00 pm arrived, the last thing I wanted to do was head out the door and listen to a boring talk. I caught myself remembering your perspective will become your prison or your passport. I got out of my comfy sweats and I confess I grumbled a bit, but I brushed my hair and went over to REI. And, I’m glad I did!
Author and mountaineer, Martin Pazzani, shared his passion for the outdoors, specifically hiking. Martin has taken over 100,000,000 uphill steps on seven continents over fifty years. He founded a think tank based on the latest findings in exercise, movement, and neuroscience and discovered that walking up and down hills might be the pathway to a longer, happier, and healthier life. The benefits of hiking for wellness and longevity are ample:
Hiking is a dual tasking activity. The brain and the body navigate the task together. With a keen eye on each step, the brain fires up and signals the legs and feet to move and navigate the terrain. Great for brain health.
Hiking also builds heart rate variability. Hiking may be steady, an incline follows, and then a decline. Variable motion.
Hiking fires key proteins (hormones in the blood) and helps create new brain cells. I can’t explain the science, but Martin sure did!
Hiking improves your vision. Looking at a laptop for extended periods is draining for the eyes. Science shows excessive screen time is creating a generation with Myopea. The solution is simple - get outside. Hiking activates all 6 muscles surrounding the eye taking in short and long distances, along with the terrain nature’s beauty. A workout for the eyes!
Hiking helps you overcome challenges. Setting goals and reaching them boosts confidence, self-efficacy and grit!
Being outside hiking gives us a dopamine hit. Need a break to rejuvenate or to get a fresh perspective? Get outside.
I’m grateful I changed my perspective and attended Martin’s session. I expanded rather than contracted. Attitude is everything. I am much more aware of my perspective these days. I find with slight shifts I gain greater insight and deeper happiness.
