I. Peacefulness
The opposite of peacefulness is “restlessness.” Whenever a challenging route is discovered and hyped up, many hikers rush there eagerly, as if not having done that route means you’re not a real hiker, or as if completing it makes you a hero. In truth, just look at the mountain trails or the densely packed contour lines on a 1:50,000 map—who dares to claim the title of hero?
The mountains are always there. As long as you’re willing, they’re always ready to welcome you. There’s no need to rush it all at once. Those who truly love the outdoors will even hike at Juhuatai every week.
You’ve done the Summer Trail, the Wolf Tower, the West Route of Kanas, and Muztagh Ata—but can you still find that same heart-thumping feeling from your very first trek?
II. Tolerance
“The benevolent enjoy mountains; the wise enjoy water.” Those who love the mountains should have a tolerant mindset. Life is life, and leisure is leisure. Originally, there is nothing—so where does the dust come from? Why hold onto so many grudges or cliques? If you don’t accept me, I look down on you? Actually, veteran hikers shouldn’t look down on newcomers, and newcomers who hike often will eventually become veterans.
Newbies who’ve done the Summer Trail shouldn’t look down on veterans either. Veterans, having reached enlightenment, may walk in the mountains with no need to focus on the path but with the mountain in their hearts. That sense of ease and genuine emotion—how could you appreciate it without a tolerant heart?
III. Freedom
Always remember, in the outdoors, you are a free person. You can freely choose your outdoor group, freely choose activities, freely select routes, and freely visit your favorite outdoor shops to buy gear.
The opposite of freedom is constraint. If someone tells you when you want to join an activity: “No, you’re part of the xxx team, how can you join the yyy team’s activity?” The only thing you need to do is despise that attitude.
For outdoor activities, always choose routes that suit you and team leaders who are serious and responsible. Only then can you have safety and joy. In truth, choosing the right route and observing whether the leader is responsible isn’t very difficult. Your seriousness will be met with the same from others, along with respect.
IV. Self-reliance
In the outdoors, you may encounter various risks and unexpected situations. Nature, teammates, and local residents might all present challenges you’ll need to handle. At such times, remember this: “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” Without the awareness to solve your own problems, you won’t be able to face the difficulties and challenges of the outdoors, and naturally, you won’t be able to help others either. So before heading out, everyone must prepare everything—both mentally and materially—and avoid relying on others. Maybe you’re not someone who can fully take responsibility for yourself in daily life or work, but the outdoors gives you this opportunity. Seize it and make the most of it.
V. Integrity
Whenever I think of the outdoors, an image always comes to mind: high atop a mountain ridge, with grass covering the ground and forests singing along with the wind in the valley. A person with a backpack moves toward an even higher ridge. Below the image are the words: “Walk freely with integrity.”
The outdoors calls for integrity, for opening one’s heart. Without commercial motives, simply to experience and breathe—that is the true outdoor spirit.
Edited by: North Wind