Walking Has Taught Me to Not Be Afraid of Doubt
My 61-year-old body is different from my 35-year-old body. I never used to feel wobbly with heights, but I am now (despite the fact that I am getting my pilot’s license). Has my inner ear changed? My vision? Well, whatever it is, my new reality is such that a narrow path, a steep cliff to one side, and rumbly scree everywhere put doubt right in front of me on this day. Doubt is clever. Doubt can be convincing.
“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
Doubt is the uncertain terrain where questions reside and beliefs are tested. It's a natural part of the human experience, and can serve as a prompt for us to seek understanding and to grow. Embracing doubt with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness can lead to valuable insights and a deeper connection to our own truths. The way I have come to embrace doubt is to walk. I feel grounded, rooted, and confident when I walk — and as a result, the process of exploration feels safe and my curiosity flourishes.
On a recent trip to Iceland to host the Hornstrandir Film Festival, I had 10 days to explore doubt (also beauty, bravery, trust, and love). Each day, we would walk a lot. We faced unclear trails, variable weather, and a very challenging descent down the face of a fjord. It was this last experience that really introduced me, intimately, to doubt. Could I get down the trail? What if I couldn’t? Then what?
I have found that with a few shifts in my body, my equilibrium has changed. I guess it might be age. My 61-year-old body is different from my 35-year-old body. I never used to feel wobbly with heights, but I am now (despite the fact that I am getting my pilot’s license). Has my inner ear changed? My vision? Well, whatever it is, my new reality is such that a narrow path, a steep cliff to one side, and rumbly scree everywhere put doubt right in front of me on this day. Doubt is clever. Doubt can be convincing.
The name of the game when doubt is whispering in your ear and won’t be quiet is first, acceptance, and then, ask for help. Two things I am not very good at. In this case, I tried to acknowledge that things had shifted, that it was ok, and that it was an opportunity for curiosity and learning. And then I asked for help and support. Thankfully, I was surrounded by people I could trust with helping me down. My dear friend Claire walked in front of me, talking me through each step, and wonderful Bradley was behind, holding onto my backpack. I felt so supported. Doubt diluted. It didn’t disappear, but it certainly wasn’t staring me right in my face any longer. When I got to the bottom of the fjord, I burst into tears. Tears of gratitude, tears of bravery, tears of happiness that it was over, and tears of love for my people.
“Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.”
I have now shifted how I think about and hold doubt. I now see it as a wonderful tool for expansion and a magical opportunity to extend and learn. Embrace doubt. Look her square in the eye and ask her what she has to teach you. Hold her with tender acceptance and look around you for the helpers.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.
The Privilege of Going For A Walk
I was born with clubfoot, a condition that causes the foot to be turned inward and twisted. It is a common birth defect, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. I learned to walk with two casts on and a bar between the casts. I don’t remember any of it, but somehow, I think this experience may have pointed me towards my love and gratitude for walking.
I was born with clubfoot, a condition that causes the foot to be turned inward and twisted. It is a common birth defect, affecting about 1 in 1,000 babies. Clubfoot is caused by a shortened Achilles tendon and is twice as common in boys. Treatment is necessary to correct clubfoot and is usually done in two phases — casting and bracing. I learned to walk with two casts on and a bar between the casts. I don’t remember any of it, but somehow, I think this experience may have pointed me towards my love and gratitude for walking.
This month I will be walking in Iceland with The Hornstrandir Film Festival. Hailed as the world’s most remote film festival, it will take place in Iceland's northernmost peninsula, called Hornstrandir. One of Europe’s last wildernesses, Hornstrandir is a breathtakingly beautiful, hard-to-reach nature reserve of soaring mountains and precipitous cliffs. A place you can only reach by boat and where there is no mobile or internet connection. It is such a privilege to be asked to join these women on this pilgrimage.
In harmony with Mother Nature a group of walker/wanderers/walkstar/hikers will journey between four locations: Aðalvík, Hesteyri, Hornvík and Hlöðuvík, with a specially designed cinema venue where we will premiere films that touch on nature, environmental, and wildlife topics.
The team behind HFF are passionate ecoactivists that believe Hornstrandir is a great place to capture people's attention with powerful stories that can bring about a positive change in people's environmental mindset. Although the cinema venue is hard to reach and only very few guests can attend, it's not the magnitude of guests we are after, it's about the few that will be there and their commitment to make an eco change in their lives.
If you would like to experience the HFF venue, you can do so in the comfort of your home from September 8-12, 2023. Sign up on the guest list, where all documentaries and short films will be available, plus interviews and images from the festival in Hornstrandir.
The setting of the venue will be simple, in harmony with mother nature and will leave no trace of human presence — only unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Each festival location can only take a maximum of 30 guests, and they have to meet the criteria of being experienced hikers and being able to travel on their own terms to the film festival locations.
We are still on the hunt for films with nature, environmental issues, or wildlife themes. We welcome different formats, including short films, documentaries, adventure films, animation, and narrative fiction. The agenda is to celebrate the blue marble we live on and also highlight the challenges we face in maintaining a habitable planet. Kindly note that we only have room for 6 documentaries in full length and 4 shorter format films. Films with a strong environmental or wildlife message are more likely to be accepted.
Walk on. With gratitude for the ability to walk this magnificent spot on the planet.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.
WALKING THE EARTH: Exploring the Enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the pristine kingdom of Bhutan calls adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and red rice and chilies. During a recent trip to this enchanting country, my two dear friends and I embarked on an unforgettable journey.
A trekking adventure with extraordinary festivals, environmental revelations, and yummy lunches
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the pristine kingdom of Bhutan calls adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and red rice and chilies. During a recent trip to this enchanting country, my two dear friends and I embarked on an unforgettable journey that involved trekking through the newly reopened Trans-Bhutan Trail, immersing ourselves in vibrant celebrations and festivals, and indulging in a delectable array of traditional Bhutanese dishes.
Trekking/Walking/Hiking/Wandering through truly awesome and sacred landscapes, our adventure began with a trek through the picturesque Paro Valley, known for its stunning vistas and ancient monasteries. We started the walk at the Great Buddha. Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. After circumnavigating the monumental being, we stepped out the back of the gilded meditation hall to a trail that led us along verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages, allowing us to witness Bhutan's natural beauty up close.
One of the highlights of our trip was reaching the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched precariously on a cliffside. The sight of this sacred site, surrounded by mist and prayer flags, was a truly humbling experience that will forever remain etched in my memory. I am terrible at altitude (I live and walk at sea level most of my days), and to be at 10,000 feet took some adjustment.
My dear travel pal, Lisa, had a great lesson from her backcountry skiing experiences. She reported that her guide told her the way to think about going up at altitude is to look to the top and to go at a pace that allows you to move without too many stops. “Go your pace, it isn’t a race.” So that is what we did. We gently, simply, slowly ascended up to the top. Going at the pace that meant we were comfortable, not straining. The second thing that was a great help was lots of water with electrolytes (drip drop was our favorite).
Cultural Immersion and Colorful Festivals
Bhutan's vibrant culture is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, and during our trip, we were fortunate to witness several captivating cultural events. The Bumthang Festival enthralled us with its exuberant masked dances and fire rituals. The dancers, adorned in intricately crafted costumes, spun gracefully to the rhythmic beats of traditional music, while the air was filled with a sense of devotion and joy. It was an honor to be a part of this sacred celebration and gain insights into Bhutan's spiritual heritage.
Exploring the charming capital city of Thimphu further immersed us in Bhutanese culture. We visited the majestic Memorial Chorten and National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the school to preserve and promote traditional art in contemporary Bhutan.
Culinary Delights and Bhutanese Cuisine
No trip to Bhutan would be complete without the yummy meals, known for its robust flavors and unique use of chili peppers. We had dishes such as ema datshi, a spicy cheese and chili stew, and momo, succulent dumplings filled with vegetables or meat. Bhutanese cuisine strikes a delightful balance between simplicity and complexity, with each dish reflecting the country's distinct culinary traditions. My favorite thing was that at each meal, tea is served. Now that I am home, I crave red rice for breakfast.
One of our culinary highlights was a traditional farmhouse dinner, where we dined with a Bhutanese family. They graciously shared their customs and traditions, serving us beautiful dishes cooked with local ingredients. We helped with the preparation and drank milk tea as well as a unique drink called ara. Ara is made from native high-altitude tolerant barley, rice, maize, millet, or wheat, and may be either fermented or distilled. This evening, it was served hot, with garlic and a scrambled egg in it. We felt so welcomed by Sonam and her family.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.
The Transformative Power of Walking
As someone who has hiked over 26,000 miles over the course of 11 years, I can attest to the transformative power of walking. Walking, for me, is not just a physical act but a spiritual one. It’s a way to connect with nature, to challenge myself, and to find peace within myself.
As someone who has hiked over 26,000 miles over the course of 11 years, I can attest to the transformative power of walking. Walking, for me, is not just a physical act but a spiritual one. It’s a way to connect with nature, to challenge myself, and to find peace within myself.
Walking is a form of meditation for me. It allows me to be fully present in the moment and to focus my thoughts on the here and now. When I’m walking, I’m not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. I’m simply walking, breathing, and taking in the world around me.
One of the things I love most about walking is the sense of freedom it gives me. When I’m walking, I’m not tied to a schedule or a destination. I can go wherever my feet take me and explore the world at my own pace. There’s something incredibly liberating about that.
Walking also teaches me about perseverance and resilience. When you’re hiking long distances, you’re bound to encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. Whether it’s a steep mountain or a blister on your foot, you have to find a way to push through the pain and keep going. That kind of resilience is not only valuable on the trail, but in all aspects of life.
Perhaps most importantly, walking reminds me of our connection to the natural world. When we’re surrounded by concrete and screens, it’s easy to forget that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. But when we’re out in nature, we’re reminded of our place in the world and the power and beauty of the natural world.
In short, walking is so much more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a way to connect with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. It’s a way to find peace, to challenge ourselves, and to grow as individuals. So the next time you have the opportunity to take a walk, I encourage you to take it. You might be surprised by the transformative power it holds.
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.
5 Simple Breakfast Routine Shifts to Improve Your Health This Spring
As a functional medicine health coach, I spend my days guiding people along their unique path to health, and what I have learned is that the more benefits we can squeeze out of the things we are already doing each day, the easier that path becomes. There are oodles of opportunity at breakfast that pack a powerful punch on your health. Let’s talk about 5 of them right now!
Written by Guest Author, Jessica McManus
As a functional medicine health coach, I spend my days guiding people along their unique path to health, and what I have learned is that the more benefits we can squeeze out of the things we are already doing each day, the easier that path becomes.
There are oodles of opportunity at breakfast that pack a powerful punch on your health. Let’s talk about 5 of them right now!
#1: Eat a higher protein breakfast
For starters, a higher protein breakfast helps to minimize blood sugar spikes, and subsequent crashes mid-morning that may leave you starving for lunch, and/or craving junk. A high protein breakfast has also been shown to reduce cravings and snacking throughout the day. Protein is a building block for muscle, and increasing muscle mass also supports balanced blood sugar in the body. Aim for 30-35 g of protein at breakfast. One of my favorite ways to do this is 2 eggs (about 12g of protein), 3 oz of smoked salmon (about 20 g of protein), and a side of veggies, like mushrooms and sweet potato. I’ve also shared a smoothie recipe in the next section that can easily get you to 30g of protein.
#2: Eat your Veggies!
Adding a serving or 2 of veggies to breakfast can really help start your nutrition off on the right foot for the entire day! Sprouts and herbs are loaded with vitamins and minerals. I like to snip fresh herbs over my eggs, like parsley, cilantro and sage. I also love purchasing veggie sprouts from my local farmer or the grocery store to add as a side. Oftentimes, I just see what leftover veggies are in the fridge from dinner and reheat those as a side dish. The options are limitless here. Another great way to sneak veggies in is with a breakfast smoothie! Adding baby spinach to any fruit smoothie may change the color, but it still tastes delicious. I have shared a simple smoothie recipe below!
Strawberry Smoothie:
1-2 cups baby spinach
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana (Frozen or fresh)
1 cup almond milk
Pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp almond butter
Vanilla or unflavored collagen protein powder: 2 scoops
#3: Up your Eating Hygiene Game
First, it might be helpful to explain what eating hygiene actually is! This is the art of consuming your food in a way that allows you to properly digest, and fully absorb the nutrients from your food, in turn, fueling all the systems in your body to run properly. If you are eating a healthy meal, you definitely want to follow these tips to help your body soak up, and use all the nutrients that you consumed. The first step is slowing down for about 15–20 minutes. Focus on eating without the distractions of work, computers, phones, etc…, and be sure you are sitting down to eat. These choices help to signal your body to turn on the parasympathetic nervous system (or PNS, the “rest and restore mode”), and eating is 100% a PNS activity! In fact, eating on the go, or being distracted while eating, can signal our body to activate its fight or flight response (the sympathetic nervous system), and this can reduce digestive secretions by up to 95%! Next, chew each bite until your food is about the consistency of baby food. The number of bites varies depending on the type of food, but a good rule of thumb is about 25–35 chews before swallowing. I know it sounds like a lot, but the benefits are priceless. For those who would like to learn more about eating hygiene, I’ve included a helpful guide below.
#4: Grounding Outdoors
It’s springtime, and spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive effect on mental and physical wellbeing. Why not get that outdoor time, while you are eating your breakfast? Grounding, also known as Earthing, is the simple process of putting the human body (easiest being your bare feet), into direct contact with the earth’s surface. I bet you are wondering how this works, so let me explain… Earth’s negative electric potential can help create a stable internal bioelectric environment to normalize the function of all of our body’s systems. These negative electrons from antioxidant molecules in the earth neutralize free radicals involved in the body’s immune and inflammatory responses. The health benefits of earthing include decreased chronic stress, reduced inflammation, decreased pain, and improved sleep. If you’d like to learn more, here is a great article from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health in 2012.
#5: Let that sunshine In
While you are outside slowly enjoying your breakfast, consider leaving your sunglasses inside, and getting some sunlight in your eyes. Studies have shown that exposing your unshaded eyes to 15–20 minutes of sunlight, before noon (but ideally first thing in the morning), helps reset your circadian clock, laying the groundwork for more energy during the day, and a deeper, more restorative sleep that night!
How incredible that loving your body with these simple shifts, could reap so many health benefits? I hope this article has been helpful for you! If you’d like to learn tips, follow along with me on Instagram @fullcircleptandwellness. You can also learn more about my programs and book a free discovery call at https://fullcircleptandwellness.com/.
For more than two decades, Jess McManus has used her passion for healing and physical therapy to help people resolve serious pain and injury issues. Jess launched Full Circle Wellness to provide clients with uninterrupted one-on-one attention, and really explore the root of their challenges more efficiently and holistically. She uses both physical therapy and health coaching to help clients through educating and empowering them to take back control of their health and well-being, and ultimately stay well (And drink more water, of course).