The Mindful Hiker: On the Trail to Find the Path [Paperback]

Stephen Altschuler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2004

So often we are drawn to nature for solace and peace during challenging times in our lives. Walking along our favorite trail, we begin to "see" clearer and gain a better perspective of our situation. Stephen Altschuler believes that solitude in nature is the way to confront the tests of life by observing how even the smallest forms of life survive the threat of harsh weather, predators, and yes, humans.

Join Stephen Altschuler, who discovered his own spiritual path through an insightful relationship with nature, as he leads you on a walk along the trails of Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California. With each chapter, THE MINDFUL HIKER will guide you toward the discovery of your own path where you’ll find the inner strength to adapt and cope with the realities of today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" . . . a treasure of vistas, on the inner plane of reflection and the outer realm of nature." -- Carol Adrienne, PhD., author of When Life Changes, Or You Wish it Would

". . . may every reader enjoy the journey through these pages and end up at home safely, wiser and more peaceful." -- Amaro Bhikkhu

"I love this book . . . a remarkable journey into the inner realms of nature, the enchanting province of the soul." -- Denise Linn, author of Sacred Space

"Stephen Altschuler articulates what hikers feel during the quiet moments and suggests new ways to connect with the hiking experience." -- Mary Margaret Sloan, President of the American Hiking Society

"The Mindful Hiker will certainly open the door to self-discovery, heightened awareness of the environment, and enlightened action." -- Peter Barnes, Director of Tomales Bay Institute, Author of Who Owns the Sky?

From the Author

My goal is to open you to the spiritual possibilities of spending time in nature. If you find a sacred place where you can more be yourself, you will be more apt to consider all of nature a sacred place and care for it more deeply and consciously. Nature also includes human beings so my ultimate goal is that people will treat all life, including other people, more compassionately and thoughtfully.

That way, this tired old world will be rejuvenated with the spirit of harmony, peace, humanity, care, hope, and enlightened consciousness. This is what inspires my own spiritual practice. Yes, I spend time in prayer and on the meditation cushion, but more importantly, I am increasingly aware of each precious moment of life, whatever that moment involves. I am more aware and accepting of life as it is. As a result, my life is richer and my relationships with other living things more enduring and deeper.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Devorss & Co (Txp) (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875167977
• ISBN-13: 978-0875167978
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,201,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen and the Art of Hiking, July 22, 2004

By 

James Barnes (Traverse City, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mindful Hiker: On the Trail to Find the Path (Paperback)

Sometimes the most simple acts can be the most powerful. Author Stephen Altschuler elevates the act of hiking -- walking for pleasure while communing with nature -- to dizzying heights in this part how-to, part environmental manifesto, and part love letter to northern California's Point Reyes National Seashore. Altschuler considers this area where he does most of his hiking his friend -- the place where he spends time with God. Hiking its trails and vistas offers a feeling similar to other pastimes people become passionate about -- like yoga or fly fishing -- that allow them to become suspended in time.

Altschuler used his time hiking at Point Reyes to make sense of our tumultuous times and help him through divorce and midlife crisis. He points out the similarities between a hiking trail and a spiritual path, giving examples of Moses and Martin Luther King "going to the mountaintop" during their most important quests. The mountain trail mimics life, with its trailhead, forks, rises and dips, and eventually -- a summit. Altschuler urges us to use our senses of observation, to see, smell, and feel nature, "by slowing down and seeing what is before us." He not only describes this lovely approach to life, but encourages us to participate, by adding questions and suggestions at the end of each chapter, inspiring readers to think, recall, journal and learn about ourselves and our world.

This is a modern day Walden that belongs in every hiker's backpack.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who knew?, June 5, 2004

By 

emc "emc" (Guerneville, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mindful Hiker: On the Trail to Find the Path (Paperback)

When I read the "Mindful Hiker" I felt like I was coming home. The author offers us insights into the rich environment of finding inner peace through the wonder of nature. Prior to reading this book I didn't know that others felt the same strength I have felt through the "meditation" of walking. I didn't know there was a language to describe the connection between nature and well-being. Every chapter was written with such honesty that it was hard to turn away from my own. By the time I finished this book I felt that I had been on a journey of the soul and I was grateful for the opportunity. I highly recommend this book to any of us hikers and mindful spirits.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mindful Hiker, reviewed by Janet Anderson, September 20, 2004

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Janet Anderson (Sebastopol, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mindful Hiker: On the Trail to Find the Path (Paperback)

The Mindful Hiker inspires me to see my own favorate hiking trails in a different way, to elevate them from favorite to sacred. It is a memoir of a slice of time and place, as well as a workbook, to help one deepen one's relationship to a specific path, park, beach, or even a single tree. Stephen's book also teaches Buddhist dharma, reminding us of non-attachment, impermanence, and gratitude. Delightful to read; I have given it as a gift to fellow hikers.