Hiking through clouds

I have done a lot of hiking in my lifetime. Each hike is unique and special in its own way but there are some hikes that alter your chemistry entirely. Every time this happens, I am filled with awe. I know it is such a sweet gift.

I experienced one of those chemistry altering hikes this past week and I’m still processing how to explain this phenomenon. It’s hard for some people to image that the person that started walking up a mountain will not be the same person that walks back down. But for others, it will make more sense than peanut butter and jelly.

This hike, that altered my chemistry, began in the clouds. It created an eerily beautiful landscape of dew covered trees and plants. The clouds also obscured the views we were supposed to have as we climbed. The goal was to reach a camp near the top of a volcano so we could watch a neighboring volcano erupt from up close.

For about 95% of the hike, we saw nothing beyond the thick blanket of clouds wrapped around us. It was a slow and steep hike, challenging in the best of weather. But we continued forward, step by step, climbing higher, towards what we hoped was a beautiful view. Because the clouds obscured any views we might have, our focus remained on the trail directly in front of us for most of the hike.

To be honest, I did question why I kept moving forward at times. What is the point to doing this hard hike if I was going to get to the top and be in the clouds still? Is it worth it if I can’t achieve my goal of watching a volcano erupt?

Finally, we turned a corner, the clouds parted and we got our first peak of the volcano! I couldn’t hold myself back as I shouted “it does exist!” Everyone around me laughed but I could also sense a sigh of relief from everyone. What felt like so far away was instantly within reach. We all managed to move a bit faster over that last bit of the hike. Just one little glimpse of the destination reinvigorated each of us.

It was as if the lack of clarity for most of the hike made it that much sweeter when the clouds did dissipate. We also had no idea how close we were to our destination until we were practically there.

As our group was hiking down on a beautiful blue sky day, passing the groups of new hikers on their way up, I reflected on how much I appreciated the clouds during our hike up.

In life, when we are striving towards a goal, we have an idea in our minds about what the destination looks like. Sometimes we have a clear knowing that leads us forward the entire process, never losing sight of that destination. But more often than not, an idea does not provide instant clarity to our path forward. There are usually many cloudy days on any journey.

Even when I have known exactly what I want in life (which tbh rarely happens for me) it does not make the map to get there perfectly clear. The beginning of most journeys feel foggy, confusing and even a bit disorienting. As if I am walking through clouds, only able to see what is right in front of me.

It takes a bit of courage, faith and stubborn determination to not lose sight of what lies beyond the clouds. It can feel easier to quit when the destination is lost to us. What is the point of moving forward without the assurance that the mountain exists that we are hoping to reach?

Perhaps this is why it is so easy to start a new journey but so hard to complete one. As soon as we encounter a cloudy day, we want to quit and turn around. Without the courage to continue forward even when clarity is lost, I doubt I would make it to the top of many mountains in my life. And trust me, the tops of mountains are almost always worth it!

The thing about clouds though is that no matter how much they obscure your vision, they never block your path. They may appear solid but in fact they are nothing but a bit of water and air taking up space. As they say, the only way out is through.

Most of the time, if you keep moving forward, with intention and purpose, focused on your own two feet, the cloud will dissipate and provide beautiful clarity. Just because you cannot see the destination for a moment, it doesn’t mean it dissolves into thin air. And sometimes it is hard to see the progress you’re making while within the cloud. Your view may not be changing, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress.

I suppose this is a reminder that progress doesn’t always look and feel as we expect it to. But when we remember that clouds are not always a reason to turn around and give up, life can surprise us. The moment we get to peak around the corner and watch the clouds clear is something else. Something else that we would never get to experience if we aren’t willing to move forward even with uncertainty.

Life is designed to challenge us in many ways. Sometimes the clouds exist to keep us focused on our own two feet during difficult moments. But only if we are able to remain focused on our destination, can we have the courage and faith to keep moving forward. And it is always worth moving forward.

This wasn’t my first hike that started in the clouds and ended above them and I’m sure it won’t be my last. But I do know that I needed the reminder. The destination is not lost even when the clouds roll in. Just keep going, step by step and clarity will find you.