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September 10, 2009
Life lessons from Nepal: Taking it slow
Back in July, I wrote in Harriet’s Corner about an 80-year-old woman I met while I was hiking in Nepal. You can read it here—but long story short, she gave me some special advice about taking time to appreciate life. This lesson came back to me recently, and I wanted to tell you about it.
I was hiking the Falling Waters trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which I love for its unbelievable waterfalls and views of the Franconia Ridge. While I hadn’t done this hike since I was in my forties, I remembered the spectacular views vividly. I did not, however, remember the process of getting to them. Crossing a river three times, negotiating boulders, and all of it so steep …
Suddenly, I noticed people passing me—younger people. I got a little competitive and tried to keep up, but of course when I did I couldn’t breathe. I thought to myself, why are they rushing? And then I remembered the woman I met in Nepal, who said the exact same thing to me when I passed by her at warp speed.
I said to myself, “Oh.” Just like that, I got it. I’m her now. That’s where I am in life.
Would I do the Falling Waters hike again? Yes, but in a different way. I’ve learned to honor my older body, to appreciate the older wisdom that I couldn’t fully understand 20 years ago. I made it to the top eventually, but at a slower, wiser pace.
I know now that I could hike in Nepal again, too. Only next time, I’ll take it slow … and appreciate every step of the way. If you should join us in the mystical Himalayas, that is my advice to you.
Harriet Lewis