by Abby
This previous week we went to the community of Paru-Paru in Pisac, Peru. Though there are so many things I learned from my experience there, my biggest take would be that your perspective changes everything.
On our last day of Paru-Paru we had an optional hike to go on where we would pass by 3 lakes and get a gorgeous view of the mountains. The hike began quite peacefully, we were walking around a large mountain to cross a lake and truly begin our ascent. Throughout this we were led by our host Mario and another guide Inocensio. Saying that the views were breathtaking does not do the experience justice. It was like a different world. No one else was around, just us and the mountains.
Though there’s one thing you all should know before I proceed, Paru-Paru is about 3,100 ft (930 Km) difference in elevation from Urubamba. And the hike for the first two hours was all uphill. Once we really began, I started having a lot of trouble breathing in the altitude. I think I took maybe one break to breathe before I had to take another and just sit down. I remember saying to our instructor Juan Diego, “Juan D I really don’t know if I can do this”. I felt horrible. I didn’t want to disappoint the group because everyone was so excited to hike and if I wasn’t able to continue then we would have all had to go back home. It was an internal battle between my mind and body. After a good five minutes, some water, and a few quick tears I decided to continue. Juan D, Mario, and Inocencio agreed to help carry my backpack so that I could focus my energy on just walking and breathing.
I should also mention that I am a notorious over packer. Because once I wasn’t carrying my backpack anymore, I felt like I could breathe and move again. It was both a little hilarious and humiliating. I felt so incredibly bad that someone else was carrying my backpack for me and that I wasn’t able to do it on my own.
It’s ironic, Dragon’s focus is on group effort, communication, and support and yet in my head I still felt like I had to be strong and do it by myself.
There were many MANY pep talks to myself throughout the rest of the day. From cliches of “slow and steady wins the race”, to “c’mon Abbs one step at a time”, “just 15 more feet, you got this”. In my head I had no other choice. I needed to continue. I stopped caring about keeping pace with everyone else and just focused on breathing. Though I no longer had my back pack I still had a difficult time breathing without getting dizzy or nauseous. As a girl born and raised at sea level 13,000 ft was something a little out of my comfort zone.
By the end I was sweaty, exhausted and most definitely needed a shower. But I was so happy. I was finished. It wasn’t a normal sense of accomplishment. It was something larger. More growth in my perspective and mindset. It wasn’t until two days later on the phone with my dad that I had realized how big of a step this was for me.
I was talking to him because I was a little worried about catching up on homework and figuring out how to manage my time amongst all the activities. And something he said made a realization in my brain click.
Dad: I’m not saying this to be funny, but what time is it where you are? What day is it?
Me: 11:00 am, October 2nd
D: Good. Where are you right now?
M: I’m sitting outside
D: Okay, where are your feet?
M: In my shoes on the concrete
D: Your feet are right here right now, they’re in today. Focus on today. Tomorrow will be tomorrow. But you can’t control tomorrow. Right now, focus on the next second, minute, hour. Whatever you need to, to take it one step at a time.
The hike meant more to me than a challenging workout. Every hour was one foot in front of the other. Focusing on my breathing and just my next step. Nothing bigger. It was difficult, but I did it. It showed me how much the work I have been putting in towards my mindset and perspective has paid off. I didn’t realize how much this program has really changed my mindset before that moment. I mean it’s by no means perfect, but it was progress. I was encouraging myself like how I would try to encourage someone else. The reflecting and journaling of new perspectives has allowed me space to grow as an individual.
Though it may not hold as much meaning to others, this mental growth was a sign I’ve been looking for. That I am on the right path. It made me incredibly grateful for this opportunity and privilege that I’ve been able to have. I can’t wait to see what adventures and challenges the next months hold. Thanks for reading.