On a mountain clearing, surrounded by deep green grass, a wanderer sat down on a rock. He relievedly took off his backpack, closed his eyes, and turned toward the sun, which gently warmed his face. He felt a breeze pleasantly enveloping him. He breathed in the scent of nature and listened to its soothing sounds. His curly brown hair, now completely unruly after months of wandering, fluttered as if the wind was playfully toying with it.
The wanderer had behind him hundreds of kilometers, many nights spent in a tent, and plenty of spring water drunk from mountain streams. He felt tired shoulders from the heavy backpack, chafing from clothes, and blisters on his feet, which had carried him so far.
“Why is he walking like this? Where does this trail lead him?” you might ask.
He walks to fulfill his dream.
But now he sits quietly, and curious animals watch him from behind rocks, among grasses, from the sky, and the mountain slopes. Encouraged, they finally one by one began approaching him.
“Aren’t you afraid to walk so many kilometers? Or that someone might steal your backpack? What if one day there’s no stream on the way and you have nothing to drink? What if you meet a fierce wolf or a huge bear? That would be terrible! It might even eat you! Better take this path down to the village and ask someone to take you to the end of this trail!” advised the fluffy rabbit, quickly hopping back to his burrow.
Then an eagle flew by, curious about the wanderer in faded green pants and a checkered shirt sitting on the rock.
“It’s good that you’re going alone. That’s definitely best! I sometimes see other hikers on this trail, but there’s no point in sharing the journey with them. You’ll get further, faster alone. You’ll sleep wherever you want, rest whenever you want, and most importantly—you won’t have to listen to someone complaining about being tired from walking. Go the rest of the way alone! It’s the best decision!” the eagle advised, then flew away.
Then a mountain goat ran up to the wanderer and said:
“Why are you just sitting? Get up, quickly sling your backpack over your shoulders, and run to the very end of this trail. Step by step, jump over stones and streams. Get to the end as fast as you can! Why carry that backpack for so long? Aren’t you tired of this road already? Don’t your feet ask for the end of this journey? You should also take off those heavy boots as often as possible! During breaks like this, it’s pleasant to lay bare feet on the grass and let them breathe. Besides, the faster you get to the end, the better.” The goat said quickly and hopped back to her mountain slopes.
The wanderer listened to the animals and only smiled gently. He smiled because he knew that the animals had actually revealed a lot about what was inside them. The rabbit, that he had many fears. The eagle, that he was a loner. The goat, that she liked to do everything quickly. None of these animals asked what the wanderer himself needed.
The rabbit didn’t know that he was friends with wolves and bears. They protected him from other predators and possible thieves. He also had the whole route very well planned and always knew where he could refill his water supplies.
The eagle didn’t know that after many days, the wanderer started feeling lonely. He felt bad having to take off his backpack every time to get a water bottle, and a companion could help him with that. They could look for tinder for the fire together and have interesting conversations in the evening. Laugh together, complain about the steep slopes ahead. They could support each other in the hardships of the journey and enjoy the beauty of nature together. Although he usually liked being alone very much, now some company would do him good.
The goat also didn’t know that he couldn’t run fast or jump vigorously because his solid mountain boots were enchanted and he couldn’t take them off before reaching the end of the trail. And worst of all, a stone got into his boots, and although he had already learned to walk with it, he wasn’t able to jump or speed up his stride.
The suggestions on what to do did not bother him, though. He had already met so many different animals along the way, heard so many pieces of advice. He was used to it. However, there were wise owls and cunning foxes and other animals who did not impose their solutions on him. Those who asked how he felt and what he needed. Dialogue animals who inquired about what made him happy and what troubled him. Open to the possibility that it might be something they themselves would never think of. Something that could surprise them but also help the wanderer to hear and understand himself. He liked those conversations the most.
With that reflection, he stood up and continued on his path.
Ilustration: Oliwia Matuszak
