The Joyful Lessons of Hiking in Nature: A Reflection on Indigenous Teachings

By Jillian Morris

Shé:kon sewakwé:kon, greetings to all. 

Fairweather hiking season is on its way. I love my winter hikes but must admit I’m looking forward to not having to bundle up.

A long walk in the wilderness, woods, or countryside – the dictionary definition of hike. Sounds nice – uneventful. That’s the intention when I hit the trails. A gentle meandering.

A place to slow down, to reflect, to appreciate nature.

And then…

The trees make funny faces, tease me for being domesticated. The rocks like to play games and wait for my eyes to catch upon the dancing branches. They push themselves further above the surface and force me into my own little two-step. The birds snicker.

Meanwhile, the mosquitoes prepare to feast. They lock me in with their infrared vision. Now there’s a wave, some arm swings to go with my jig. A slap to the thigh, the ankle. Butterflies and dragonflies circle around the entertainment.

These are my teachers. They remind me to laugh at myself, permit me to be childlike, challenge me, encourage me to find joy in what was simply meant to be a long walk.

All my relations, a common phrase among Indigenous peoples. Out on the trails alone, I am still with family. They love, they protect, they share, they tease, just like family. They tell me I don’t visit enough, just like family.

I will leave better than I came. My teachings of reciprocity tell me I should leave this place better than when I came. So, I take gentle steps, I pick up discarded trash, I never take more than what is needed, I offer kind words, prayer, and good intentions.

I am humbled by their lessons. I am grateful for their life promoting ways. I will carry their generosity forward. I will return when that reminder is needed again. Repetition is key.

I leave a sweaty, fatigued, bitten up mess.

And I can’t wait for the next dance.

Skén:nen, peace.

Jillian Morris is Kanien’kehá:ka, turtle clan and band member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory now living in Collingwood where she is the poet laureate.