Written by, Tracey Gerlach, MAPP, CTRS
As the sun rose over the rugged mountains, Sarah laced up her hiking boots, ready for a day of adventure on the trails. Hiking had always been her escape, a way to connect with nature and clear her mind, and she needed to take a break. She’s been having a particularly rough time balancing a recent break-up and upcoming finals at school. Today, she planned to explore a new path that promised breathtaking views of the valley below.
Setting off on the trail, Sarah was immediately captivated by the beauty around her. Tall pine trees towered overhead, their needles glistening with dew. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs echoing through the forest. As she walked, she couldn’t help but think about the concept of “Walking the Middle Path” she had learned in her dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills group last week.
In DBT, “Walking the Middle Path” meant finding balance and avoiding extremes. Sarah reflected on how this applied to hiking. She remembered times when she had pushed herself too hard, striving to reach a summit regardless of physical strain. Other times, she had taken it too easy, settling for familiar trails without venturing into new territory. The same was true for her life. Sometimes, she allowed the emotions from her break-up to spiral out of control to the point where she couldn’t get out of bed, let alone study for finals.
Today, Sarah decided to embrace the “Middle Path” on this hike. She set a steady pace, neither rushing nor lingering. The trail inclined gradually, challenging but manageable. With each step, she practiced mindfulness, savoring the sensations of the forest—the earthy scent of soil, the cool breeze on her skin, the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath her boots.
As Sarah hiked, she encountered obstacles —a fallen tree blocking the path and a rocky section that required careful navigation. In the past, she might have reacted impulsively, either attempting a risky climb over the tree or turning back altogether. But today, she applied DBT skills.
Sarah assessed the situation calmly using her “Wise Mind”—the balanced combination of emotions and logic—. She found an alternate route around the fallen tree, choosing safety over bravado. When faced with challenging terrain, she practiced acceptance, acknowledging the difficulty without becoming discouraged.
Reaching a clearing, Sarah paused to admire the panoramic vista before her. The valley stretched out beneath a vast expanse of blue sky, and she felt a profound sense of accomplishment. “Walking the Middle Path” guided her physical journey and transformed her mindset.
As Sarah descended back towards the trailhead, she carried the lessons of DBT with her. “Walking the Middle Path” wasn’t just about hiking; it was a metaphor for life. It meant embracing challenges, like her break-up, with resilience and making wise decisions guided by mindfulness and self-awareness.
When Sarah returned to her car, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains. She felt a deep sense of gratitude for the day’s hike and the insights gained along the way. As she drove home, she vowed to continue “Walking the Middle Path” in all aspects of her life, finding harmony amidst life’s twists and turns, just like the trails she loved to explore.
