Finding Joy

I have two loves: Hiking the Diamond Head Crater trail and photography. Combining the two has given me countless moments of pure joy. Granted that feeling good is like the wind; it comes and goes without a ‘by your leave.’ Today is windy, and the next, not a leaf stirs.

So, is there a secret to being in that state of contentment, every moment, every day? Is it even realistic?

I do not know about you, but I do have occasions when everything flows with ease and lightness. It is not a magic potion, nor a miracle or mystery. It is not a secret either. It is simply this: Do what you love!

However, most folks flitter from one ‘love’ to another. Perhaps you have heard the quote ‘True love lasts.’ So when love is short-term, does that mean that it never existed in the first place. And what do I mean by ‘Do what you love?’

I have an addictive nature. When I do something often enough, it becomes a habit. Sometimes, not often, habits turn into love. That is exactly what happened with my love affair with Diamond Head.

The iconic Diamond Head is perhaps one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks. This 760-foot tuff volcanic crater is also a popular hiking trail.

A few years ago, for health reasons, I started hiking Diamond Head. Eventually, I would hike up almost every day. But in the beginning, I was so stressed out just thinking about it. I had to mentally, and physically, push myself to go. Eventually, hiking up Diamond Head turned into a routine.

What used to cause great anxiety is now a soothing place to be. What had induced this change? I have no answer, but I feel good doing it, so I keep hiking.

When I am on the trail, I do not think about yesterday, tomorrow, or anything else. My focus is on my breath and my moving feet. Even when I am struggling, there is a sense of lightness, of not having a care in the world. And that is good.

My second love is photography. Years ago, I used to haul a heavy Nikon SLR everywhere I go. At the time, I used to take macro photography of leaves and tree bark textures. Now my iPhone has taken over. It is light and a great companion on my walks. When I run out of breath, which happens a lot, I take pictures.

Photography is also a great ‘live in the moment’ teaching tool. The feeling of wonder when examining the textures of a leaf, or the changing colors of a sunrise, is priceless. Oftentimes, I end up spending hours going over and editing my photos. In my 'photography zone,’ time stands still.

As I’m writing this, I can’t help but feel blessed. Hiking Diamond Head and taking a few photographs along the way are my ‘feel-good’ medicine. It is free and healthy too.

A few days ago, I decided to share some of my Diamond Head hike photos. I took miscellaneous shots on the way up, more from the summit, and on my way down.

The park opened at 6.00 AM. I was in line. There were not many visitors at that time. I prefer to go early for just that reason. When the trail is crowded, I tend to lose my flow.

It was a pleasant and cool morning. Sunrise was at 6.04 AM. I could see the orange glow on the crater rim. Another beautiful sunrise!

A few years ago, when I started hiking, it took me about an hour to reach the crater rim. It was tough, puffing and panting my way to the top. But the thought of giving up never entered my head. Instead, I would take frequent breaks, catch my breath, then move on.

With my iPhone all charged up, I was ready. The view from the top of Diamond Head is always peaceful. I still puff and pant and take frequent breaks, but my timing is faster now, one step at a time.

Perfection is not a requirement. So if I am huffing and puffing my way along, nobody cares. I certainly do not care either. And if my shot is all blurred, I hit delete.

Doing what I love is all that matters.

In the end, it is not about perfection. It is finding joy in whatever I am doing.