With a lot of people coming here are either new or still young, I want to give out one of my ways I stay connected with my own path with Paganism. I know some will do the Sabbats in the year, rituals to praise their Gods/Goddesses, or/and be connected with a group of a similar path. All of those are fine and I do take part in those, but one thing I do not see as often is the suggestion to take a hike in nature and engulf ourselves in its beauty.
Going on a hike in nature is more than trying to find the right spot or even the long walk. For me it lets me be more refreshed as well reminds me of the power, meaning, and feeling of nature. Out on the trail you can feel the calming wind blow past you. Find acorns and understanding this is a new future tree or even a snack to the nearby animals. Looking at the river with the fish swimming by. Feeling the soil that hasn't been tilled by humans, trying to connect with Gaia. These are just a small example of the experience as every trail in nature is different and everyone comes out of it differently.
Now how can this be used for you? Maybe going on a hike isn't easy or the spots nearby isn't for you. Maybe you have better things to do or family members don't want to help. That is okay.
Maybe you just need to take a small walk to get started.
Maybe that spot you think isn't for you holds something within it that you are not aware of.
What if you plan a hike in advance around your busy schedule.
Bring a family member or friend with you (a must if you are under a certain age).
What else can a hike do for you besides seeing the view? Well you can collect things you may need for any spells/rituals you have planned. You might be able to find a good stick that would make for a good wand or even stave. Maybe you found something that would make a good offering for your alter. With that being said, please be mindful. Do not go out into nature to destroy it in order to get what you want. Don't chop down a new beginning tree for a stick. We are just a visitor, we only take what was left for us and we do not take things with force. Besides that, walking on the trail is another form to mediate. Here you can come to terms with issues in your life, focus on your energy or that of others around you, or maybe use this as a way to find your meaning in your path.
With all of that being said and you are interested in taking your first step into the woods we do need to talk about safety.
Wear what is needed for the weather.
Do not over pack on useless things you think you need.
Bring water or a filter.
Tell someone where you will be going and for how long.
Stay on the path, don't stray too far.
Bring bugspray that will protect you from ticks.
Always bring a phone. Even if you have no service your GPS will still work.
Know what is on the trail, for example if there are any bears.
Bring a map.
Have a set time of when you will be out for and even a point on the trail you set your goal on.
There are more detailed articles here on the internet but those things are something to be aware of.
For those that already do this that want to expand on this topic you are most welcome to do so. With that I hope this post finds you well and healthy.