The great outdoors, great for the mind body and soul

Jun 4
3 min read

Another Bank Holiday weekend and another hike. I mentioned to a few people that I'm heading to a different part of the South Downs. However, I hike the Seven Sisters once a year. But each year I do something different. This year. I walked to Seaford and then over to Beachy Head.

I don't do this because it's easy, but because it is still a challenge. The views are awesome as always. There are many ways to train the mind and body. Tai Chi and Qigong are good for you, but it is beneficial to also find other ways to exercise. It is beneficial to have a change of environment and some fresh air. Distance isn't a problem. The problem is the wrong mindset. The secret is basically to pace yourself.

I used to come on week days, but since I had my work hours fixed, the weekends and Bank Holidays are mine to enjoy. The down side to coming down on the weekends are the crowds. Getting a parking space can be difficult A lot of people aren't the outdoors type. The wrong shoes, too much clothing and no plans. Sadly, on days like this, you don't meet friendly folk who say hello to you.

The good, bad and the ugly

Selfishness is all too common. Over dressing on a hot day is inviting a heatstroke. If anything happens to you. The emergency services will need to pick you up. I know you like your music, but you don't need to share it (try headphones). Fellas who like to strip down to skimpy shorts, we aren't impressed. For the latter 2 types, Brighton is that way 👉.

Then there are those who don't use bins, tut-tut... All the national parks and places on natural beauty have this problem. To go by the American model and have people pay to enter. This divides people, but when you get a spectrum of selfish and unsavoury types, it is very frustrating. I'm not thinking about myself, I consider other people and their right to enjoy the outdoors. National Parks have limited budgets and they don't have the resources to hire more staff. They are reliant on the local community and responsible adults to do their bit. If you aren't contributing, then don't make it difficult for others.

There are some pretty mean people out there, so watch out. A good hike is beneficial to your mental health, why do some have so much pent up anger?

*Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can*

The long march home...

I mentioned about the lack of planning earlier. It makes you wonder about some people. You come out to remote areas and you have no idea how you are getting back. I see huge queues at the bus stops. Every bus that have come by is packed. Waiting further down the road is not the solution. Last years, a group in their twenties, asked me how to get back to Eastbourne? Easy, walk that way for over an hour and you're there. I'm not being funny or patronising. What answer did you expect from me? This year, I had people asking me for lifts and they would pay me. No, I'm not doing that. I don't know you and I need to consider my own personal safety. I've read about these cases and I don't need to be another crime statistic. It is also rude to ask. The doors all locked as I drove out of the car park, I got waved by problem tourists. It used to be safe to do people favours, but in this day and age, no. Sadly times have changed. It was about 6.30pm, rather than waste time waiting for a bus on a Sunday evening. Do yourself a favour, just walk...

Mindset matters...

Tai Chi and Qigong journey is a lot like hiking. The journey matters, and it isn't always about the distance, but the act of trying. Did you give up? Both Buddhism and Daoism teach us to love nature. Nature nourishes and heals us. Everybody's spirituality is different. We should learn to love what we have and express gratitude. The Pure Land is not some distant mystical paradise. It is here and hence why we need to look after what we have.