Remember to Look Up

Earlier this month, I took the challenge to hike the Kalalau Trail on Kauai's NaPali Coast. If you haven't heard of this hike, it is ranked as one of North America's most dangerous trails. There are no roads to the Kalalau Valley. You can get there via an 11-mile, one-way trail. Why on earth would I want to do such a thing? To celebrate.

Upon turning in my final manuscript of my second book, With New Eyes, I decided as a celebration I would hike the Kalalau Trail. I thought that there would be no better way to honor the take-away of my books, #LookUp, than taking an adventure in nature.

For those of you that unfamiliar with the #LookUp mantra and #LookUpDay, celebrated each 27th of the month, they are both based on two components:

1) Be aware of your surroundings, appreciating the beauty around you as well as hazards. In essence, be in the moment and mindful.

2) Spin each situation positively. Although many circumstances appear negative at first, every experience is an opportunity to learn. There are NO wasted experiences. Every wound, hiccup, or hurdle turns into wisdom.

Although #LookUp may sound easy, it still takes a conscious effort to take the moment to reframe the situation and be in the moment. Many can reach this perspective shift by meditation, but I have also found that certain activities, especially adventures take me immediately to this mindful place. This was the case on my hike out to Kalalau, I needed to be in the moment I was mindful every step along the trail, gauging the conditions of the trail as well as my body. If you would like to know more about my adventure to Kalalau, listen to my conversation with Vance Iles on Slippery Trail.

 

Author_Heidi_Siefkas_Celebrating_Look_Up_at_Kalalau_Beach_Kauai

Author Heidi Siefkas at Kalalau Beach on Kauai's NaPali Coast celebrating #LookUp and finishing her second book, With New Eyes.

After surviving the roundtrip hike of 22-miles, I must say it is awe-inspiring and a perfect way to honor #LookUp. Whether you care to hike Kalalau or not, I share with you, readers of my books, and the world the wisdom of #LookUp. Now the job is yours! Please share this post and add the hashtag #LookUp. You can find others that #LookUp too on Facebook, TwitterG+, and Pinterest.

 

If you haven't read my debut memoir, When All Balls Drop, get your copy today. The film version is on its way as well as the sequel book, With New Eyes, this September.

Here's to looking up!

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