Some might say reaching the peak of a mountain and completing the hike is the best part, but for Shanice Brown, it's all about the climb.
“There’s this sense of freedom yet sense of smallness when you're hiking — knowing that you are such an important part of this world, but learning that there’s so much more than life at home and work,” Shanice said.
Shanice discovered her love for hiking during her senior year of university when two of her close friends invited her on a trek around Mount Assiniboine in British Columbia. What started out as a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and college pressures soon turned into an awakening.
“In our minds, we’re all the center of our universe,” Shanice said. “But, when you’re out there and you see how vast our world is, it really puts life back into perspective. Getting out and being close with nature mentally refreshes me. Without it, I don’t know who I’d be now.”
Shanice’s 38-mile journey around Mt. Assiniboine challenged her both mentally and physically and taught her some very valuable lessons along the way.
The constant change in scenery and weather showed her that she was stronger and more capable than she had ever realized.
What started out as a comfortable hike in 70-degree weather changed into a muggy, rainy and cold environment in 24 hours.
“It’s like the region seemed to shift,” Shanice said.
As she ascended the mountain, it became arctic. There were no trees. It was pure white.
“We actually lost our path at one point and had to mountaineer it a little bit,” Shanice said. “It was incredible.”
Carrying a large backpack, camping in extreme conditions and forging and navigating through ever-changing, complex terrain isn’t something the average person does. Conquering that feat is something Shanice said she will always cherish.
“More than anything, I just felt strong,” Shanice said. “To conquer a feat that the average person doesn’t do, felt solid. I also learned a lot of self-love. You have to take care of yourself first — mentally, emotionally, spiritually — those aspects are as important in your life as your career. You have to find that balance.”
Balance in life, on and off a trail, is something Shanice always strives to maintain.
“Sometimes we get so caught up in the pressures of work and life, that we forget what’s important,” Shanice said. “You have to take care of yourself and find your peace. When you’re happy, you perform well.”
For Shanice, it’s waking up to a sunrise over the Grand Canyon, reading a book nestled on the mountainside, enjoying a cup of coffee with a new friend following a similar path, or spending some time in quiet reflection on a peak as the sun dips below the horizon.
“It feels good to just unplug from everything and spend time reflecting on how lucky we are to be here,” Shanice said.
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