Live Wandering

Autumn is one of those seasons where nature feels like it’s putting on a show just for us. The vibrant colors, the crisp air, and the way the light dances through the trees—it’s a reminder of how fleeting and precious these moments are. So when I set out for a solo hike to capture the peak fall foliage in northern Minnesota, I had one goal in mind: to be present with nature, take in its beauty, and capture Reiki-infused moments for my videos.

The hike I chose was a loop around Oberg Mountain, a popular spot for fall foliage enthusiasts. I knew it would be busy—it’s the perfect time of year and this trail offers multiple overlooks, each showcasing a different view: Oberg Lake, the sweeping shoreline of Lake Superior, and the rolling hills covered in Autumn’s fiery reds and oranges. I was expecting a crowd, but still, part of me hoped I’d find some peace along the way.

As I began the loop, I quickly realized just how populated it was. The trail was packed with people, moving in clusters of couples, families, or large groups, laughing, chatting, snapping photos, and making their way from one overlook to the next. I couldn’t help but notice how alone I was compared to everyone else. I even found myself taking photos for couples and groups, not that I minded, but it only deepened my sense of solitude.

For a moment, I felt proud of myself—proud that I was there, enjoying something beautiful all on my own. But there was also a quiet longing to share this experience with someone. While I was allowed to bring my pup Zsu Zsu along, managing her anxiety and filming would have been quite a challenge. So there I was, navigating both the trail and my thoughts in silence. A thought struck me: maybe that’s why I post on social media. It’s not just about sharing the beauty I see—it’s about feeling connected, like I’m not experiencing this beauty all on my own.

As I continued around the loop, I noticed something else. Almost everyone around me was focused on reaching the final overlook—the one that directly looks down on Oberg Lake with the mountains and colorful trees spread out like a painting. People were moving from one viewpoint to the next, chatting about their lives, or capturing photos without truly stopping to see what was around them. Out of the hundreds of hikers, I only saw two couples who took the time to sit and fully absorb the views. The rest were moving with chaotic energy, and soon enough, I found myself swept up in it, too.

I felt anxious, like I had to keep pace with the crowd–but then I did something different. I stopped.

I stepped off to the side of the trail, found a break in the flow of people, and touched a tree. I grounded myself, letting the texture of the bark anchor me in the present moment as I took slower breaths to reset my nervous system. I let the chaos drift away and started moving at my own pace, slowing down to take in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows around me. The leaves were falling gently, the air was crisp, and with each step, I felt more connected to the earth beneath me.

That’s when I stumbled upon one of the less crowded overlooks. It wasn’t the final, most popular viewpoint, but to me, it was even more beautiful. From this spot, I enjoyed a profile view of Oberg Lake framed by jagged cliffs that jutted out from the mountain, leading to a steep drop-off. Lush coniferous trees bordered the water, guiding my gaze toward the distant slopes dressed in Autumn’s pallete. The scene was breathtaking, and I sat there for a while, soaking it all in.

Just as I began recording my Reiki video, a group of college students appeared, interrupting my moment. It’s to be expected when filming scenic views on a public trail. I’m always mindful of other hikers wanting to take in the view and try to be courteous by inviting them to experience it for themselves. After all, it’s only fair to share—nobody likes a nature-hog. I turned off my camera and told them it was a great spot for pictures. But one of them, standing right where I had been sitting, glanced around and said, “It’s nothing spectacular,” before they all rushed off to the final overlook.

I couldn’t help but feel baffled. Here I was, looking at one of the most beautiful sights of the season, and yet, they didn’t see it. They were rushing off to the more popular Instagram location, not realizing that the view from where we stood was almost identical—just a different angle.

It struck me then that some people don’t recognize beauty unless they’re told it’s beautiful. They only “see” what’s trending, what others have labeled as worth seeing. But beauty isn’t dictated by trends. It’s not something you can chase. It’s something you feel when you slow down and open your heart to the world around you.

This hike reinstilled in me the importance of being present. It reminded me of a core foundation for my Reiki videos which is to connect viewers with nature and its beauty—encouraging them to slow down and savor the moments that often go unnoticed. In a world that’s constantly rushing, the most beautiful experiences often unfold when you stop, breathe, and simply take it all in.

So yes, while I was surrounded by rushing enthusiastic hikers on the trail, I wasn’t focused on the crowd. I was present with the beauty of nature, and that was the true gift. These fleeting moments, whether shared through social media or simply held within, remind me that it’s not always about reaching the final viewpoint or being with others. It’s about finding and appreciating the beauty that speaks to you and letting yourself fully experience the moment. Because sometimes, the most meaningful connections come from simply being in awe of what’s around us.

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