Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Reflection: Wilderness

Sonja Dieterich
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Palo Alto, CA

In the center of all the sources I have drawn from, I found myself in the wilderness. Quite literally! My major source in life is a trip into the wilderness, be it a simple, short day hike or a weeklong foray into the High Sierras or the Grand Canyon. There are so many sources and insights to talk about:

• The need to limit the weight I can safely carry taught me what is really essential in life.

• The beauty of nature touches me deeply and reminds me to take care of it.

• The starkness of the desert makes me seek out the little details so easily overlooked.

• A tiny tree growing valiantly in the middle of a seemingly barren talus slope taught me about thriving in the face of adversity.

• A hummingbird at 10,000 feet surprises and delights.

• I have learned how important a sheltered spot can be when storms are raging.

• A solo trip with no soul in sight for days is the clearest mirror for self-reflection.

• Meeting a human being after the solitude made me appreciate any human being, no matter who they are!

• Climbing a high mountain pass taught me the patience of reaching an ambitious goal in slow, persistent steps.

• Traveling on steep and narrow paths taught me to pay attention where I am headed, looking at the next step, the long-term heading, and the way I came from all at the same time. Sometimes, I still get lost.

• But difficult situations, like getting lost, showed me how to rely on my inner wisdom and skills to solve problems, as long as I do not let myself panic.

• I also learned when fear is a really good thing to have.

• Being in the wilderness really, really makes me appreciate the blessings of civilization:

  • a flush toilet,
  • a shower with hot and cold water;
  • and even the garbage bin!

• And I could tell so much more when it comes to experiences with hiking companions.

Reflection: Closing by Dave Weber