How 8 Days of Healing Journey in the Mountains and Forests Changed My Life🌲🌄😇
March 21, 2022: Mid Afternoon, I open the Instagram app and the first post that pops up is this:
I was so excited!!! The next moment, I sent a text to Tanya Ginwala founder of Qualia Mental Health that I want to sign up for the Wilderness Therapy Program! A program that can accept people like me who are not physically strong and has multiple health challenges, 54 years old, yet supporting me in living my dream of walking in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh!
Afew days before this was to happen, I had bought a bicycle to get physically fit. A few weeks before that, I also tweaked my eating habits to focus more on nourishing food. Finally, I made sure that I slept consistently 7 hours every day. I began to avoid working late at night on projects. I usually do all-nighter projects that involve writing business proposals or presentations.
April 07, 2022: I have the one-to-one call with Tanya to understand more about the program and how I can participate effectively despite many challenges in various aspects of my life. In fact, in my entire 54 years of living, I had done two half a day treks to two forts near Lonavla, Maharashtra. During our call, Tanya was so supportive, and encouraging, and assured me that I can do it. She and her team will support well all through the 8 days of the program. Next few days I confirmed my participation in the program.
It was one of the most inspiring and motivating calls in my life. I never knew that this call will lay the foundation for my next level of inner and outer transformation🦋
Prepping for the Program: First, I created my Vision Board. I took a print out of the Triund Hill and put it up on my soft board so that I can wake up and go to sleep seeing this awesome image:
I started prepping for the program under the active guidance of Tanya. Be it picking the right shoes for the hike or how many minutes of optimal exercise are required per day and how to listen to my body and rest well. In 45 days, I had lost 8 kg of fat in my body! I carried a sack weighing 6 kgs and still breathed normally while climbing up and down the staircases! This was for 20 minutes every day to prepare me for the hike in the mountains! This was part of the preparation for the Program. I followed to the T the exhaustive checklist shared by Tanya with us that will help us to be well-prepared for the program. What to bring and what not to bring for the program. The works. Everything was new to me and I was willing to put in the hard work to convert my dream of walking on the snow-capped mountains into reality!
May 07, 2022: On the eve of the beginning of the program, I finished my packing by late evening. I was so excited that I did not even wink for a minute though I tried to😀 My flight to Dharamshala from Mumbai was at 6 am on May 08, 2022!
Day 01 — May 08, 2022:
The first day of the program kickstarted with an introduction to the program, getting to know each other was done through a couple of fun exercises🏀 The first day of the program gently began connecting us with us, others, and the Nature🦋🌳
It was absolutely a beautiful way to start the program💜 Tanya and her team made sure that we felt at home. Two amazing local women cooked and served us nourishing food with smiles😊
Day 02 — May 09, 2022:
The second day started with a slow morning session consisting of guided meditation, playing a few slow morning songs, reading Mary Oliver poems, reflections and journaling by us. We then set out on a mini trek to prep ourselves for the next 4 days of slow hiking and camping at the higher altitude of the Dauladhar Mountains. The latter half of the day was focused on Intention Setting. We got to pick up two different sets of cards and reflect on what it means to each one of us and what is our Intent for the Program.
I first picked up the Wheel because it resonated so much with me. As you can see from the image above, the Wheel has 8 spokes with the hub at the center. I believe the Wheel is a perfect metaphor for the 8 aspects of our well-being — physical, emotional, social, career, intellectual, financial, environmental, and existential. What also struck me was that we were 8 participants! The program duration was 8 days! Serendipity! The number 8 also symbolizes infinite possibilities! I felt awesome and my intentions became very clear.
That I want to lead an abundant life in all aspects of my life and embrace infinite possibilities! During the program, I wanted to focus on my physical and emotional well-being. As they say, health is everything! If we are healthy, everything will eventually balance out in our life. The next 4 days would test my endurance level in these two crucial aspects of my life considering that I have been living and thriving for over 32 years with BiPolar Disorder! And the long-term side-effects of medication; being affected with a portfolio of lifestyle diseases — hypothyroidism, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and many related ones. One week before leaving for the Program, my post-lunch Diabetes levels were at 300 mg/dl. I decided that this is not going to deter me from fulfilling my long-cherished dream💭
The next card activity was based on a particular animal , and its nature and reflecting on it. Does that animal’s nature represent us? If not, do we want to embody it or continue to evolve the way we want to? As you can see from the images, it was the Fox that I chose subconsciously and I was already embodying some of the qualities of a Fox. Key ones are ‘Solitude’ and ‘ Going Independent’ [if it requires to accomplishing its goals] whereas other animals do reflect the herd mentality and can accomplish anything by being part of a tribe. It was such an amazing experience reflecting on the cards that I chose and felt so grateful to Tanya for facilitating this session beautifully!! This was one of my aha moments of the program😇
We ended the day by deliberating further on what safe space means to each one of us [carrying from the previous day’s conversation on this topic] and how can we create much beyond safe space — a brave space as we are all embarking on the journey of unknown — inside out. We co-created guidelines for a ‘Brave Space’ that will help support each other as individuals as well as the group.
Day 03 — May 10, 2022:
It is 6 am at Dharamshala! We are all excited to start our journey to the unknown!! In every which way!! We reach the starting hiking point in an hour. We go through the mandatory briefing and warm-up exercises for some time. We grab a bite of breakfast and start our slow hike to the first base camp — Snowline. It was amazing to observe that some of the millennials in our group chose to carry their sack. They are so kind and compassionate to other beings too💜 Few like me chose the mules to carry our bags. I felt at that moment this is the beginning of my journey to get back in shape so that I can also carry my sack like them on my next trip. It was such an amazing experience to hike slowly and also interact with Tanya and others. The way Tanya’s team operated was brilliant. They maintained a 2:1 ratio in terms of supporting the participants throughout the 13 hours hike to the first base camp. We had a major stop over at Triund Hill where we had lunch and minor breaks depending on each participant’s energy levels. A few of us were the last ones to reach the camp at 7.30 pm! The moment we reached the base camp I felt the cold breeze on my face and I shivered a bit. The weather was 2⁰C! Yet, felt awesome that I could make it!!
The first day of the hike was a beautiful experience for all of us. Some of them reached earlier and they could witness the beautiful sunset in the camp area! I was excited yet extremely tired. I walked to my tent with my roommate and the first thing that I realized was that my knees and the whole lower part of my body had become immobile. I didn’t know for a few minutes how to get into the tent. It took me more than 25 minutes to crawl into the tent, change my clothes and add a layer of a warm jacket. The pain was so severe that I cried and tears started rolling down my eyes. Never in my lifetime of 54 years, had I hiked for 13 hours with few little breaks!! And the path we hiked wasn’t flat or green. It was rocky and narrow for most of our journey. What helped me however was my ‘One Step at a Time’ approach to hiking the long mountain trail. I also focused on keeping my emotions under check. A bit of excitement or anxiety can lead to hitting a rock or slipping on the trail. And it did happen a couple of times.
We ended the day with an amazing dinner and a Birthday celebration for one of our group members. I could sense that this was the best birthday present she gifted for her mind, body, and soul💜
I went back to the tent and applied a pain reliever throughout my lower parts of the body and tried to get some sleep. With the cold temperature and shooting pain that lasted for many hours, I finally fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning.
Day 04 — May 11, 2022:
We began the day with a wonderful breakfast followed by an hour of guided meditation by Tanya, playing some slow music, and reading poems by Mary Oliver and one on Mother Earth from the Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. We soaked into this beautiful morning ritual that got us grounded, calm, and centered and prepared for the hike to the second and final base camp further up the Dauladhar Mountains. I was all set for the hike as I felt much better physically and emotionally! The pain reliever worked like magic!
We did slow hiking to the second base camp at Laka Glacier and hiked it in 4 hours. Some of them reached an hour earlier or so. We had our lunch a little later and got into cozy conversations using Esther Perel Card Game of ‘Where Should We Begin’. It is a game of stories where we get to share stories that we probably had never shared before. The Brave Space that we had created helped everyone to be authentic, vulnerable, and brave. We got to know each other better and our bonding got a bit stronger. It was also fun and the experience got us to reflect inward.
I shared my story and at the end of it, I sobbed so much. I don’t remember when was the last time I cried in front of a bunch of people. It was very relieving and the whole group was so understanding and supportive. I remember a few of them crying with me and never felt that so much empathy, kindness, and compassion can emerge through the stories that we shared; the stories that were so close to our hearts and sometimes we had buried deep inside us.
After the card game, one of our members volunteered to prepare veg clear soup before dinner and we had so much fun having it. We continued our conversations over a bonfire! What was remarkable was that she prepared the soup first for me without garlic [because I do not have garlic in my food] and then for everyone else. The kindness and compassion and understanding that I witnessed throughout the program was something I can never forget.
Eternally Grateful to every member and Tanya’s Team for making sure that the food that was served throughout the program was healthy, nourishing and without garlic [for me]. This attention to detail and care for every participant in the program was remarkable. I don’t remember having noodles even once in the entire program😄 The camps had amazing people who cooked for us and at the base camp of Dharamshala we had two wonderful women who cooked for us. All of these people were so loving and caring serving our hot food and tea. The warmth and hospitality of everyone blew me away.
After dinner, I went back to the tent and rested well. It was another memorable day with rich experiences. We reconnected with ourselves, nature , and others well.
Day 05 — May 12, 2022:
What a day to start watching the mountains and the beautiful sky! This was the first day I got up relatively earlier because there was no pain in my body and I had slept well.
After breakfast, we started the day with the morning ritual of guided meditation, some slow songs, reading poems by Mary Oliver, and Journaling!
After lunch, we decided to hike further towards the pine trees which was about an hour’s hike west from our second base camp. Few of our members opted to stay back at the campsite.
Now, we get to walk through the snow-capped mountains!!! Yeah!! I was so excited! This was my dream come true moment!!
As we were walking on the snow-capped mountains for a while, we realized the snow was too much and we wouldn’t be able to make it to the pine trees. Tanya suggested that we stop here and maybe go a few meters further and play in the snow. And return. While everyone went a little further to play, I started falling a couple of times. Tanya stepped in and requested that I stay put there and that she would give me company. It was fun watching others invoke their inner child by playing in the snow🌨 I felt so so happy for everyone😍 At one point in time, the weather turned misty and windy and hailstones started pouring on us. We just couldn’t see the other members for a few moments. Neither could we hear them playing in the snow! Everyone was gently nudged to come back and start our return to the camp.
Even though the hailstones were small, when they hit my ears and face, it was painful yet joyful! That is the moment I felt the beauty of joy and pain occurring at the same time!!! It was such a surreal experience!! I had waited for this moment for over 3 decades and here am!! And with me was Tanya, witnessing my joyous moments😍
I felt extremely grateful to her and had tears of joy rolling down my face [as I write this, it is happening too]. She could have opted to play in the snow with the other members. With me was one of her team members. Yet, she decided to stay with me. Tanya’s thoughtfulness, kindness, and compassion moved me so much. I could never forget it.
I realized later that we had climbed a height of 10,400 feet above sea level🏔 It was so humbling to see these majestic mountains and was reminded that the mountains have always been there — rain or shine. And don’t make a big fuss. Quiet and Strong. How I wish we humans can learn so much from the humility of the mountains!
We came back to the camp and one of the members voluntarily opted to make rasam soup. Instead of using the rasam powder, he took the support of a few other members and traditionally made the rasam soup. It was amazing again that he chose to make the soup first for me [without garlic] and then made it for others. The sensitivity and care that our group showed towards each other was magical💫
We ended the day with interesting conversations while having rasam soup and dinner. We went to our tents early to sleep. The next day early morning, we will be starting our descent to our lower base camp at Dharamshala.
Day 06 — May 13, 2022:
5 a.m. — We wake up to get ready to start at 6.15 am for our descent to our base camp in Dharamshala. A few days ago, one of our members had sprained her ankle. One of Tanya’s team members walked by her side and held her hand gently to help her in her descent.
I discovered two things just at the beginning of the descent. I found it easier to climb up than down. Next, my diabetes levels seem to have fluctuated a lot [it could be because, over the past week, I had skipped several times my diabetes meds]as I was feeling quite weak at the beginning of the descent. I spoke to Tanya immediately and she assured me that she will walk with me and ensure that I get on regular intervals electrol, water, and snacks to ensure that I can keep climbing down with ease.
The four of us walked last while others walked ahead.
Tanya’s intuitive way of caring and support was evident from the fact that every 20 minutes or so she will hand over either electrol or water to sip. And throughout the descent, we were engaged in interesting conversations and long pauses. I cherished those conversations that ranged from adventure to psychology to philosophy to our lived experiences. The way Tanya supported me on that day was something only a mother can do. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and connection.
I observed that she led the team beautifully by assigning the right kind of people to each one of us and ensuring that everyone is well supported and cared for.
Half of our team reached the lower base of Dharamshala at 8.30 pm! It was close to 14 hours of descent with a major stopover at Triund Hill for lunch and a few mini breaks. I just couldn’t believe that we made it! And more than me, I was happy for the other member who had sprained her ankle and she made it! The grit, determination, and courage with which she did it were mind-blowing. And the patience and perseverance with which Tanya’s team and other members supported her throughout the descent were remarkable.
We reached our hotel and had a bath for the first time in 4 days! This was a first for me. Not having a bath for 4 days! It beat my record of 2 days of no bath when I stayed in a forest for 3 days in Kodaikanal with absolute bare necessities. There was no place to bathe there except I have to go to a nearby river to have bath. It was wintertime at Kodaikanal!
We ended the day with a nice dinner and tried to get some sleep. Because I was so tired I was not getting sleep for a long time. Add to it, the excitement that it was a mission accomplished. From impossible to I am possible😄
Day 07 — May 14, 2022:
We started the day a little late with the delicious breakfast prepared by the two wonderful women. We sat on the green meadows for our closing session to reflect on our inner and outer journeys. We did it by picking up the cards that closely resonated with our experiences. I picked up two cards that resonated with me so much.
The first one had an illustration of an open tent in the nature and the sky as a background. Like an open tent, I went with so much curiosity to explore the program. I wanted to observe everything that I come across during the program while I focus on my physical and emotional health. By being curious and present, I was able to fulfill the intent that I had set out before beginning our journey to Laka Glacier. I was able to live my intent every moment during the program and it also helped me to fortify it in the coming months. I Intent to lead an abundant life with infinite possibilities! Specifically, during the program, I focused on my physical and emotional well-being. I was able to test my endurance levels in both of these areas and emerge stronger and better.
The second card that spoke to me strongly was the illustration of a Dove, a ladder with a human touching its feathers, and a butterfly below the Dove. The background was a blue sky. This meant so much to me because it was aligned with what I was doing in my professional life and that being on the right track. The Dove was a metaphor for Peace, the human on the ladder was a representation of women and the ladder was a metaphor for upskilling for women. In summary, am a medium of The Goddess for women to get upskilled and attain peace and harmony in all aspects of life. One of the crucial ones is financial independence which will help them to fly like the Dove freely. This was so powerful and embedded in my memory forever.
Each one found what resonated with them the most. It was beautiful to listen to each one’s inner and outer journey. I found the card activity sessions to be so powerful and meaningful!
We had a wonderful lunch and a little later went to the Tapovan Forest for the Forest Bathing and Gratitude Ceremony. The Forest Bathing experience made us reflect a lot about ourselves, nature, and how well we are interconnected. One of the key concepts I learned from Tanya was ‘Regenerative’. Which is common for both Nature and us. After all, we are not separate from Mother Nature. We are One.
We ended the day with Dinner and some music and dance. I am eternally grateful to Tanya and her wonderful team for making it all happen for all of us. Special mention to Aditi and Gaggan for their amazing support and their ever-willing nature to help and support anyone proactively. While Aditi did it all with enthusiasm and energy, Gaggan did it with quiet confidence and patience. A huge appreciation and applause for the people who cooked delicious food for us at Dharamshala, 1st base camp, and second base camp!!!
What was unique about the program design was that we had an official one-to- one call and group call before and after the program. Specifically, the one-to-one call with Tanya after the program was profound for me in many ways. It helped me gain more clarity and purpose in my life by connecting it with the learnings from the program.
Nov 13, 2022:
It has been six months since I attended the Wilderness Therapy Program. I am witnessing the next level of transformation and the intent that I had set out at the Wilderness Therapy Program is unfolding magically! Abundance in all aspects of life and Infinite Possibilities💫💜
Image Credits: Tanya Ginwala, Aditi Ade, Gaggan Kapoor, Ninad Bhagwat
