Great writing, Jesse! Really valuable thoughts about our true nature, the failures of modern schooling, and ADHD/medication.
If you haven't come across it already, I think you would really enjoy Thom Hartmann's book "ADHD: A hunter in a farmer's world" that takes an evolutionary view of behaviors that were highly adaptive until we created our "modern" industrial world. He has a Substack that explores those ideas in depth:
What a great perspective! I can really identify with those feelings of restlessness, and did my share of almost reckless solo backpacking trips as a teenager long before cell phones or GPS or emergency beacons! Its different now. Hard to re-capture that feeling of total freedom.
Yes- I struggle to find that feeling with the ubiquity of technology. It seems like the best we can do is go places that are difficult to get to, so even with a satellite communicator, it would still take some time to be found!
I liked reading your story, and how the Long Trail wound through it all. It depresses me a little that the reckless abandon that you described as a teen are all but gone now. But, I'll be heading out to attempt a Long Trail thru hike this August. And I'll not be renewing my GPS subscription because I don't want to be contacted.
My relationship with outside, with walking long miles day-following-day is a lifeline of existence. I'm sitting here pondering "auto-pilot" as a mode and reach out to touch the sensory memories that auto-pilot offered me, then and now.
Jesse, thank you. Many thoughtful concepts embedded in this piece to help one redirect any number of stressor’s. (And, I especially appreciate the backdrop of the Long Trail as the escape route.)
It could be any activity (mental or physical) but the idea of being on “autopilot” grabbed me. Flow. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional balance. Ah…Freedom. Yes, it’s what we all seek. And, where the best of living happens. Cheers.
I really enjoyed this essay, Jesse. I love when places stay with us, consistent backdrops as everything else changes. It was interesting to read about how the Long Trail has been that for you--and about how a medication concocted to "help" made you feel worse, quelling what doesn't necessarily need to be quelled, but rather channeled toward something else, like a hike.
Yeah, it's an interesting and somewhat heady idea I've been playing with. For instance, where do we draw the line between helping and the alternative? I'm glad you liked it.
I can really relate. I never bother to ask why, I just know the hike is worth it every time. Way back, you encouraged me to winter hike. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
Great writing, Jesse! Really valuable thoughts about our true nature, the failures of modern schooling, and ADHD/medication.
If you haven't come across it already, I think you would really enjoy Thom Hartmann's book "ADHD: A hunter in a farmer's world" that takes an evolutionary view of behaviors that were highly adaptive until we created our "modern" industrial world. He has a Substack that explores those ideas in depth:
https://www.hunterinafarmersworld.com/
Thank you, Baird. I'm looking at Thom's stuff right now- I appreciate the reference.
What a great perspective! I can really identify with those feelings of restlessness, and did my share of almost reckless solo backpacking trips as a teenager long before cell phones or GPS or emergency beacons! Its different now. Hard to re-capture that feeling of total freedom.
Yes- I struggle to find that feeling with the ubiquity of technology. It seems like the best we can do is go places that are difficult to get to, so even with a satellite communicator, it would still take some time to be found!
I liked reading your story, and how the Long Trail wound through it all. It depresses me a little that the reckless abandon that you described as a teen are all but gone now. But, I'll be heading out to attempt a Long Trail thru hike this August. And I'll not be renewing my GPS subscription because I don't want to be contacted.
Niki- That sounds great. You’ll have a great trip.
I wouldn’t say my reckless abandon is gone- it’s harnessed.
I loved reading this! Wouldn’t it be amazing if everybody could find their “long trail”? ❤️😊
Thank you for reading, Jill! And I’m glad you liked it and agree- everyone should have their own Long Trail.
My relationship with outside, with walking long miles day-following-day is a lifeline of existence. I'm sitting here pondering "auto-pilot" as a mode and reach out to touch the sensory memories that auto-pilot offered me, then and now.
Thank you for sharing that, Stacy. I think about that too, at least 1X/day.
Awesome thanks!
Jesse, thank you. Many thoughtful concepts embedded in this piece to help one redirect any number of stressor’s. (And, I especially appreciate the backdrop of the Long Trail as the escape route.)
It could be any activity (mental or physical) but the idea of being on “autopilot” grabbed me. Flow. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional balance. Ah…Freedom. Yes, it’s what we all seek. And, where the best of living happens. Cheers.
Thank you for reading and your comment, Shelby. That auto-pilot mode is a special place.
I really enjoyed this essay, Jesse. I love when places stay with us, consistent backdrops as everything else changes. It was interesting to read about how the Long Trail has been that for you--and about how a medication concocted to "help" made you feel worse, quelling what doesn't necessarily need to be quelled, but rather channeled toward something else, like a hike.
Yeah, it's an interesting and somewhat heady idea I've been playing with. For instance, where do we draw the line between helping and the alternative? I'm glad you liked it.
I’m sending all the parents of “energetic” kids to this piece. So well done—on every level.
Thank you, Erin- I’m flattered. And I hope it helps a kid out who is struggling with an overheated classroom.
This piece brought me peace. Love it brother
Thank you, Kyle. Glad to hear it.
I can really relate. I never bother to ask why, I just know the hike is worth it every time. Way back, you encouraged me to winter hike. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received.