Discuss walking/nature quotations with teens on day hike

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle
 is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply
in the present moment, and feeling truly alive.”

Sometimes our deepest thoughts occur when out on a walk. Getting in touch with nature, pumping oxygen to our brains, and breathing in the clean air all lend themselves to thinking with calm reflection about our purpose and place in the universe.

One good way to bond with teenagers on a hike – and to develop their cognitive skills, as well – is to discuss the meaning of a deep thought, especially one about walking in nature. Here are a few great quotations to help get just such a discussion going.

“It is difficult to smell sagebrush and ponderosa pines, or hear woodpeckers and owls, when you’re traveling 50 mph in a metal box on wheels.” – Adrienne Hall

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment, and feeling truly alive.” – Thich Nhat Hahn

“The man, who goes afoot, prepared to camp anywhere and in any weather, is the most independent fellow on earth.” – Horace Kephart

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” – John Muir

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek proverb

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.