My Israel Trail

by Aryeh Green

[sstaley]

First off, I was amazed that this man even wanted to hike the Israel Trail, a 600- mile hike all on his own. Aryeh was in his early 50's and his wife had asked for a divorce. His whole life had changed suddenly. He wanted to go on this trek looking for answers to the turmoil in his life. This is why I wanted to read his story. I'm not much of a hiker like this, even though his accounts along the trail are very interesting, the good and the bad. I wanted to read about how his experiences helped him through a hard time in his life. Some of the main things he learned about on his adventure were:

1.Humility: And an understanding of our place in the universe. Humbly recognize how little we really control in our lives.
2.Acceptance: Of the reality of the world as it is and not as we'd like it to be.
3.Gratitude: Appreciation for what we have and what the world offers us.
4.Forgiveness: Of those who have hurt us or are perceived to have harmed us.
5.Purpose: A sense of meaning and direction.

I want to admit I did something as I read this book. When I read something that I felt inspired me, I underlined it and highlighted it in my book. I'm not one to advocate defacing any book, but my copy of this book now looks like one of my textbooks from my college days. I took notes along the sides of the pages, so if I wanted to come back and read something again it would be easy to find. As I got into the book, I felt myself seeking answers along with Aryeh as journeyed in the desert and through the mountains.

I wanted to point out some of the things that really got my attention in the book. I've felt like I've been at a standstill in my life since my divorce 10 years ago. Life has been hard. The teachings (that's what I'm calling them) in this book have really opened my eyes to changes I need to make mentally, physically, and emotionally.

-Choose Life: Take Life as it comes, not passively but actively choosing to look on the bright side and to focus on the wonders and beauty, on the "Trail" and always...
-Stay positive. Keep your thoughts LIGHT.
-Accept things I cannot change in order to free myself to heal.
If humility is the basis for a healthy approach to challenges, then acceptance builds the foundation for looking forward.
-Pray for strength: strength to carry on; strength to know,to understand, to perceive, strength to forgive; strength to give, to love, to survive...the ability to hold on.
-{This next one I know he was talking a lot about him hiking the trail and how hard it was, but it still was very impactful} "I'm thinking of the strength needed to persevere...Every hardship, every thought,brings me back to the reason I'm here...You find a solution; you push yourself harder,you take a break,you adjust your gear,you step carefully slowly. Sometimes through using the markers as a guide you have to choose your own way which is comfortable or best for you. But you don't just give up! Not without a fight."

This book reads like a self-help book, a travelogue, and an adventure book. There are so many other things I wish I could share with you but I really want you to explore this book on your own. I learned many new things about the land and the people of Israel. It made me only want even more to go visit and walk some of the trails that Aryeh did. This book is not one I read in one or even two sittings. I would read a chapter, close the book, and then contemplate about what I had read and written in my notes. This fascinating account of Aryeh Green on his journey of hiking and healing is one I recommend to those seeking answers in life, nature lovers, and those wanting to understand things from a religious perspective.
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