Elizabeth DeLana 9/8/23 Elizabeth DeLana 9/8/23

Walking With Friends

You know that feeling when you have something in your heart that you can’t resolve or sort out? Or that morning when you just want a hug and someone to share thrilling news with? Friends (community) + Walking (movement) = A Powerful Force.

I think it may be one of the most powerful forces on the planet.

You know that feeling when you have something in your heart that you can’t resolve or sort out? Or that morning when you just want a hug and someone to share thrilling news with? Friends (community) + Walking (movement) = A Powerful Force. When we add energy and movement to a conversation, I believe more of the subtle magic of life is revealed. Sure, going out for a cup of tea or dinner is wonderful. It is. I love it. But there is something super sparkly about going for a walk with a friend.

Good friends make you feel seen, protected, supported, and brave. In their company, a walk can feel like a joyful playground, a safe space, a place of connection, a moment to acknowledge, or a morning to remember. I have come to realize that walking with a friend actually regulates my nervous system in a way very few other things can. Especially if we are walking in the wild.

Friends occupy a unique place in our lives. Different from partners, colleagues, children, extended family — friends are chosen. Friends provide a unique perspective on what’s happening; someone we can share a giggle with, bond over shared loves and values, who support us in who we are and who we aspire to be. And perhaps most importantly, friends are those we trust to tell the hard or difficult thing without risk of judgment.

I think walking holds within it support and aspiration all at once. There aren’t many things each day that do this quite the way a shared walk does. Moving together side by side, forward, generating energy and action is an elixir for many of the things that are scratchy in life.

Many of my friends are forces of nature. They are my edges, they help me define me, and they are my center. I count on them. When I walk with friends, I feel nourished and loved fully. Walking together with them is where we love each other most powerfully. Walking helps me understand where I am and what I feel. Walking is when I am able to see and share my messy, glorious, and full truth — and walking is when I know myself most clearly.

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.

Elizabeth DeLana 8/14/23 Elizabeth DeLana 8/14/23

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.”

— Suzy Kassem

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.”

— Voltaire

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.

Elizabeth DeLana 7/10/23 Elizabeth DeLana 7/10/23

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.

Elizabeth DeLana 6/7/23 Elizabeth DeLana 6/7/23

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.

Elizabeth DeLana 5/1/23 Elizabeth DeLana 5/1/23

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.