A little over three years ago I accomplished a major bucket list item: I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It was as exhilarating, exhausting, amazing, and magical as it seems. In my opinion, there is no other way to get to the great ruins than by hiking the trail, for there is much to be learned and everything to be gained, including:
1. The journey IS the destination.
It’s cliché because it’s true. We hiked the Inca Trail for three and a half days and by the time we made it to Machu Picchu, I honestly didn’t even care that much. I had seen gorgeous views and amazing ruins the entire way and I was actually sad the hike was over. Thrilled to see an actual toilet, but sad our journey had come to an end. It makes you think, what’s the rush? Why are we all racing towards that ultimate finish line?
2. Nothing lasts forever.
For better or worse, every experience and feeling is coasting on a swift breeze. The good news: that horrible stomach situation you get on the third night of the hike won’t last forever. The bad news: that amazing view where you’re above the clouds and feel like you’re staring into the face of God won’t either. Life is made up of moments. Rejoice in them. Honor them. Be grateful for them.
3. One step at a time.
When we started the hike it was surreal to just walk away from our air-conditioned van with nothing but our packs on and head towards the mountains. We would be climbing, squatting, and camping for four days, and little did we know 95 percent of the trail is actually stairs and rocks. “More stairs” became an anthem. We had no choice but to continue forward. When we were exhausted and sore and miserable, we had no choice. All we had to do and all we could do was focus on what was right in front of us and take the next step. One step at a time carried us over the mountains.
4. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you’ll miss it.
As I focused on those baby steps, I realized every step we took provided new and different views. It was easy sometimes to become so focused and get lost in the path right in front of me that I forgot to take a moment and look at how far we’d come. Life is a balance of being careful and persistent in the steps you take while also looking up to enjoy the view and admire how much you’ve accomplished.
5. What you put out, you get back.
Never do I feel more connected to the universe than when I am in nature. I felt a kindred connection with the Incans in this way as they worshiped the Apus, Spirits of the Mountains. We had a sacred ceremony before we commenced the hike, offering up coca leaves and llama fat to the Apu, asking her for safe travels and thanking her for sharing her beauty with us. It was a remarkable experience to say the least. Also remarkable: if anyone cursed the ground or complained about the mountains, bad luck fell upon them. No matter your religion, we are connected to nature and the energy you put out comes right back to you.
6. Time only matters when looking at a clock.
For my entire journey through Peru, I didn’t know what day it was or what time it was. It didn’t matter. Needless to say we didn’t have electricity or Wi-Fi on the trail or in the Amazon. We got up with the sun and went to bed with the moon. I didn’t care. It was incredible to be so disconnected and I didn’t miss a thing. I was living each moment of my life. When I returned home, I actually had anxiety about reconnecting to technology and social media and the outside world. I didn’t turn my TV on for a few days. I didn’t want to. I had been in such a magical place where all that mattered were the simple things: new friends, the stories we told, the laughs we shared, the nature we were among and the lessons we learned.
Katie Peoples is TIP’s Alumni Coordinator.