I, Brandon “Flying Crow”, #hikeOctober because hiking is not only great exercise but a great way to meet people, see the world around us but also helps ground ourselves.

Many of us suffer from mental illness in one form or another. Many of us tend to be silent. I know it’s not the best thing to do but finding it better to open up and sharing with others is. Connecting with others on or off the trails and being able to sharing our experiences has also shown me that we are not alone. There are so many out there affected by mental illness more than we know. I know I have had my share of moments with depression and to me hiking is a way to ground myself. Just being out on the trail, out in the wilderness I feel connecting with the world around me. Seeing how small we really are in this world we call home and seeing all that our home has to offer. It is a good way to de-stress and clear one’s mind. It’s good to get lost. It’s good to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

No matter how far or how high you are willing to go for every hike there is a starting point which begins with one foot in front of the other. There’s no one trail that is too easy. They are all going to challenge ones spiritual, mental and physical being. You can learn a lot about the world around you as well as yourself. The challenge awaits each and every one of us.

Get Lost! Get found! This is your life. Take that hike!

– Brandon “Flying Crow” Parenteau

This article is part of our #hikeOctober campaign to shed light on the stigma of mental illness and to promote the benefits of hiking. 100% of the funds raised from this campaign will be dedicated to alleviating the suffering of mental illness and to wilderness trail conservancy. If you would like to learn more or add you voice to our I #hikeOctober… series, please contact us.