In 2009, when we first walked into our son’s Classroom in Pravesh Vatika, welcomed by Kahlil Gibran’s poem, “Your children are not your children.”
If our children are not ours, how to prepare them for living a full life, was a profound question we as parents discussed for many days. It was clear that; home and school are foundations to acquire countless life skills. Home is a strong base of culture, values, and unconditional love so they could build their own thoughts. School builds their minds so they can find their souls. We chose hiking as the third cornerstone to give them experiences to shape them. So, they could face the discomfort and comfort of nature in on the trails, in a small tent, between the mountains to find their life path.
Our children started hiking at the age of 4 years, as they turn 17 and 18 years this month, reflecting on lessons learnt together, as we strive to not make them like us, but rather be shaped by our collective experiences.
1. Hiking helps discover more about yourself and what you don’t want. How to manage with turns and twists of nature, experiencing uncertainty where all planning fails, yet you have to navigate ahead.
2. Powerful backpack. While carrying your own bag in hiking, it is crucial you pack it right. Likewise, when walking up in life, the main thing is carrying a backpack of skills, education, values, with curiosity and an open mind.
3. Strong training. No matter which mountain, or goal you are planning to climb or achieve, the key ingredient is strong preparation or training. Following the process. Train yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally, as its 20% body and 80% mind, which will take you to the top.
4. Don’t worry, be happy.’ It emphasizes the Zen mindset. Learning to choose your state of mind each day in life is quintessential. Learn not to leave behind everything you have worked to fail or give up under the cloud of doubt. Challenges are a test of your mental and physical endurance.
5. Life is a team sport, and you won’t get anywhere far alone. When hiking, one has to maintain a good pace with self. Above all, learning to pace up and down for & with your team, as everyone has different speeds. Encourage others, take a breather, and celebrate every milestone.
6. Defeat is necessary to strive for victory. All hikes are not the same. In some you reach the top and in some you may be forced to turn back. No matter what journey brings, just face it with a smile. Positive thinking will help you sail through all the ups and downs.
7. Solitude leads to transformation. Whether hiking alpine style or in a group, you will always be alone. There is no destination which you can travel without your thoughts. Put weight on goals and dreams so each experience transforms you. In solitude we must find the child in us who is not constrained and allow ourselves to be free to grow
As Kahlil Gibran said, “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” We are aiming to be that.