This quote is from the book The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, and is taken from a moment the author experienced in Virginia, as he’s gifted with “trail magic” – any kindness bestowed unexpectedly and without payment.  Ann is one of the bestowers of this trail magic, in this instance sustenance along the trail, that this hiker has happened upon.  She asks for a minute to share these words with the trekkers that have assembled, after ensuring each of them has selected a marble from the bag she’s passed around after their meal.

The words seemed particularly relevant right now, although directed to those who undertake a long distance hike – but maybe that’s exactly what we’re all on right now – a long distance hike outside of the norm.

“You’re probably wondering why we are doing this trail magic, what is our motivation. This is not a religious sermon or anything like it. This is purely from our hearts. We trail angels feel honored to assist any hiker on their journey, whether they are section hikers or going the distance. Most people live in this world asleep. We go through our routines, have our habits, are seduced by the illusions of advertising and consumerism, which create a life lacking in authenticity and integrity and sometimes real love.

You make a choice to leave this mundane world. You chose something so radically different that you had to view your life in a different way, even if only for a short time. Life gets simpler. You listen to your body when you are hungry, tired or sore. You are more aware of your surroundings, more connected to nature. You are in tune with the rhythms of the seasons and weather. The pace allows you to see details some may not see in their lifetime.

You are left to your thoughts without anything like television, videos or computers to lull you into a brain-dead state. You visit shadows and pass doors to your history that you have tightly shut. If you are lucky, you get glimpses of your authentic self without judgement but with  acceptance instead.

You don’t need much. Your world is on your back. Relationships with other people have a different meaning. You realize you are in a big community where everyone is connected by the trail. You are willing to talk to strangers, ask for help, and provide help. You also provide opportunities for us, the mundane folks, to show our best, to be helping, giving, and compassionate. You allow us to resonate goodness to the world.

All of this results in you learning more about who you are and what is important. When the individual human spirit grows, it impacts the world. The collective AT community helps to resonate a unique energy, a different way of being, and I can’t help but think it has a ripple effect on the rest of the world. It is a chance for us to be roused from our sleep and see that we, too, can create a simpler, more compassionate, authentic life.

The marble is a reminder that, any any moment, something wonderful can show up in your life. Whether it be a hiker feed, a cooler full of sodas, a much-needed ride to town, a lovely sunset, a profound conversation, or someone letting you use their shower. Mini miracles, magic, and unexpected gifts will come to you at the exact moment you need them. Let the marble help you remember that moment, and put energy into the marble every time magic happens. Then, on the days that are hard, pull out the marble and remember: Around the bend something is waiting for you. Have faith, soak up the energy you put in the marble, and move on.”

Ann as quoted in The Unlikely Thru-Hiker by Derick Lugo

We are, always have been, connected by our trail, our journey through life, our humanity, our love for our families, our need for nature’s gifts. We are honored to assist each other and to offer a little magic along the way.  We realize in our new normal, how little we really need – our health, our loved ones, food and shelter.  We want to be allowed to resonate goodness to the world as Ann said.

And we know that when the individual spirit grows, it impacts the world (again, as Ann said).

I don’t have a marble, but a stone in my pocket, in my car console, on the window sill, in the yard, to remember and acknowledge the magic and the gifts along the way.

“Those who don’t believe in magic…will never find it.”

-Ronald Dahl