Take long walks in stormy weather or through deep snows in the fields and woods, if you would keep your spirits up. Deal with brute nature. Be cold and hungry and weary.
Henry David Thoreau, December 25, 1856
In the summer of 2001, I went backpacking in New Hampshire. We got to the campsite and set up camp without issue, but once on the peak, the rain gods let loose their abundant blessings. Either we didn’t check the weather or we didn’t care.
That was a memorable trip for a lot of reasons. Top on the list is the inclement weather. My friend’s sleeping bag got drenched. Our shoes and socks soaked through. Also, we didn’t eat much because our food was dependent on fire. We were miserable. Cold, wet, uncomfortable, tired, hungry. I learned a lot on that trip. It helped me become a better outdoorsman.
Harry Stead writes, “A long walk is a rebirth of consciousness; one never returns quite the same, and is always better off for it.” Stead doesn’t write about long walks in stormy weather or through deep snow, but walks in such circumstances would prove just as beneficial.
How often do you remember your walks? Do any stand apart from the rest? If they don’t, try something new. Next time it rains go for a walk to experience rain differently. Write in your journal about how it made you feel. Maybe it reminds you of playing in the sprinklers as a child or high school football practice or of The Notebook.
Nature is often hard on humans. We aren’t naturally equipped with protections against the elements that animals are. But this is no excuse to ignore its impact on your soul. Challenge yourself. Modern conveniences allow for warmth on the go. Take advantage.
However, there is another way to view this challenge. What if you got stranded in inclement weather? Would you rather have had some experience in the cold or none at all? Being cold, hungry, and weary on purpose helps you overcome tough conditions when it matters most.
