I could have so easily let the negative thoughts win... so what stopped them?

Walking with a sketchbook - The art of stopping and taking time to see.

"‘Great, a perfect sunny clear sky and it’s not too hot." These lyrics echoed in my mind as I left the car park and started along the path through the woods, guided by the sound of a babbling stream, or ffrwd, at the base of the Welsh giant, Cader Idris.

The landscape soon revealed a breathtaking view of the mountain, which stands at 893 meters, in southern Eryri National Park.

Even though I have been hiking for years, I just hadn’t managed to tick this one off even though it firmly featured on my list. I had been busy working on numerous jobs as an outdoor instructor, I haven’t had a chance for a big hike in the run-up to this little adventure and although I made steady progress, I felt tired, a combination of long days working on events and the Duke of Edinburgh award, long distances driven and very few down days.

As I ascended the ridge, I allowed negative doubts to voice their opinions, comparing my physical abilities with those of other outdoor instructors I work with. This internal struggle persisted, yet I somehow continued and reached the summit. After almost losing my sandwich to the notorious cheeky sheep that roams the peak, I set off on my planned circular route down. I was making good progress, driven by my need to prove something to myself. However, after a few awkward slips, trips, and frustrated mutterings, I decided to take a break. Sitting on a rock, I pulled out my water bottle and began tracing the mountain's silhouette with my eyes.

I always keep my sketchbook at the top of my ruckpack, so I took it out and began drawing with my pen. After just a few minutes of sketching some simple lines to capture the ridge line, the lake, and the crags, my breathing slowed, my mind calmed, and the self-criticism I'd been engaging in for most of the day was silenced.

I had climbed up to 893 meters, but had I truly observed the mountain and appreciated its textures and light? The truthful answer was no. I had only glanced up to check the path and looked down to ensure my feet were on secure ground. I hadn't appreciated the beauty, the vastness of the mountain, or truly seen it.

Within the short time I had put pen to paper I had reset my brain. After my sketching break my continued walk down the mountain took a slower pace, I paused on many occasions to listen to the rushing water of Nant Cadair, observed the breeze encouraging the fox gloves to dance and even watch some bats investigating the woodland in daylight.

Although I'm aware of the advantages of using sketching as a mindfulness tool, I still need to remind and motivate myself to practice it. To some degree, it's a healthy and cost-free form of meditation. On this occasion, it helped calm the negative thoughts I was experiencing and put my day into perspective, reminding me that being in the mountains isn't solely about reaching the summit or the speed, but being present in the moment.

You might not consider yourself an artist, but that's not necessary. What's important is to be observant, curious, and deliberate about taking your time and appreciating nature.

So, the next time you go for a walk, pause to listen and look around, you could even carry a small piece of paper with you and try some nature doodling.