Have you been curious about taking longer trail walks in nature? How can highly sensitive people experience a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them through nature? Can walking a trail be a life-long learning experience?
In this podcast episode, Lisa Lewis speaks about the path less traveled, the Camino Primitivo, and the highly sensitive soul.
IN THIS PODCAST:
- Notice the journey instead of running to the destination
- The Camino Primitivo
- Strategies for HSP to deal with challenging journeys
Notice the journey instead of running to the destination
This past summer, Lisa and her partner spent nine days walking the Camino Primitivo in Spain. They walked for about 208km or 130 miles.
We didn’t complete the entire journey as we ran out of time, but the idea is not about time and distance but about the journey along the way, which is how I like to look at life.
Lisa Lewis
As with life, it is not always about what you are doing or how fast you are going, but about your experience along the way. If you don’t pay attention or notice life around you, you’ll speed by and perhaps wonder where it all went one day.
Be present, and open, and watch and listen, because that is how you can learn and experience the true nature of life.
The Camino Primitivo
The walking route, the Camino Primitivo, is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
It is often called the original way, or the “primitive” way, due to its historical nature and breathtaking natural beauty.
The full route is about 200 miles through lush nature, small villages, and challenging terrain.
As a highly sensitive person, you may be more attuned to subtleties in your surroundings, emotions, and even the energies of people and places. On the Camino Primitvo, this heightened sensitivity can be both a blessing and a challenge [because] the solitude and serene landscapes can amplify your connection to nature and your own emotions.
Lisa Lewis
One of the beautiful aspects of walking this trail is the deep connection that you can foster with nature. The walk winds through landscapes, mountains, and valleys.
For highly sensitive people, these natural wonders can speak to your soul, igniting an inner sense of peace and tranquility.
Strategies for HSP to deal with challenging journeys
- Self-awareness: understand and embrace your sensitivity by recognizing that being highly sensitive is a unique gift. Self-awareness can also help you to better manage your emotions and reactions.
- Plan ahead: research your future trails to better understand their terrain, climate, and potential physical challenges because knowing what to expect can reduce emotional distress.
- Set realistic goals: establish achievable daily walking goals and timelines which will reduce the pressure to keep walking with others and allow you to fully embrace the journey at your own pace.
- Pack mindfully: pack strong and comfortable clothes and shoes. Be mindful of the quality of your gear and prioritize comfort and functionality.
- Practice mindfulness: use meditation and breathing techniques to stay centered.
There will be plenty of opportunities to sit and reflect … Do some breathing, meditation, or journaling.
Lisa Lewis
- Connect with nature: what is especially fascinating about walking wilderness trails as an HSP is that it can be a journey of self-discovery as well because the solitude and connection to nature can help you tap into your inner wisdom.
- Socialize collectively: there are many opportunities for making friends and talking with people but know that you can also always take time to be in solitude when needed.
- Journal: keeping a diary can be a therapeutic way to process your experiences, emotions, and thoughts. It can also help you to track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
- Self-care: prioritize self-care throughout your journey. Make sure that you eat well, sleep well, and stay hydrated throughout your journey.
Taking care of your physical wellbeing can have a positive impact on your emotional state.
Lisa Lewis
- Seek support: if you find the emotional or physical stimulation overwhelming, consider talking to fellow pilgrims. Many people are understanding, and are often going through the same or similar experience. You can find some solace in these connections.
- Flexibility: be open to changing your plans, because sometimes the Camino can take an unexpected turn, and being flexible can help you to adapt with minimal stress more easily.
- Celebrate small victories: acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small they may seem. This will boost your confidence and motivation.
- Remember your purpose: keep the reason why you embarked on this journey close to your heart. Remind yourself of your goals to stay motivated.
- Finish on your terms! Don’t feel pressured to complete the entire Camino because your well-being should always come first, and you can always go back or try another one!
RESOURCES MENTIONED AND USEFUL LINKS
Find Out More About Sensitive in Nature
Practice of the Practice Network
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CONNECT WITH ME
Email me: lisa@amiokpodcast.com
ABOUT THE SENSITIVE IN NATURE PODCAST
So you’ve been told that you’re “too sensitive” and perhaps you replay situations in your head. Wondering if you said something wrong? You’re like a sponge, taking in every word, reading all situations. Internalizing different energies, but you’re not sure what to do with all of this information. You’re also not the only one asking yourself, “am I ok?” Lisa Lewis is here to tell you, “It’s totally ok to feel this way.”
Join Lisa, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as she hosts her, Am I Ok? Podcast. With over 20 years of education, training, and life experience, she specializes in helping individuals with issues related to being an empath and a highly sensitive person.
Society, and possibly your own experiences, may have turned your thinking of yourself as being a highly sensitive person into something negative. Yet, in reality, it is something that you can – and should – take ownership of. It’s the sixth sense to fully embrace, which you can harness to make positive changes in your life and in the lives of others.
This may all sound somewhat abstract, but on the Am I Ok? Podcast, Lisa shares practical tips and advice you can easily apply to your own life. Lisa has worked with adults from various backgrounds and different kinds of empaths, and she’s excited to help you better connect with yourself. Are you ready to start your journey?