If you are assiduous at the mountains of the mountains and often take walks, you will surely know that there is a pleasant habit: greet all the other hikers who meet on their path. Whether it’s a “hello”, “good morning”, “hi” or “hello” – in the case of foreign tourists – it is extremely natural to greet those who walk through the woods or at high altitude, even if we do not know it (and we will probably never meet him again).
The mountain in this sense is a special place. Unlike what often happens in the city, but also at the sea or in other places, here it is not struggling to wish a good day or simply say a “hello” with a smile to those who are walking, uphill, downhill or on the floor does not make any difference.
Along the paths we are all the same and we feel part of a common choice: that of getting in touch with nature and doing it in a “slow” way, without machines but only with the help of our feet and legs. Sometimes people on bicycle are also encountered for the paths and a sign of greeting is a must – indeed a pleasure – even in these cases.
In short, between woods and mountains is as if a particular sociality was experienced, difficult to find elsewhere. It is almost a kind of ritual that of the greeting that unites everyone and that sometimes also becomes a moment of exchange and the possibility of meeting new people. It may happen, for example, to need to ask for indications on the path we are going through or on what is missing from the much coveted destination.
We are all there, backpack on the shoulder, intent on getting somewhere, not forgetting to enjoy us (and perhaps above all) the path, which sometimes tests us with difficult climbs, but as far as these can be steep and our short breath, when we meet someone, we greet him. And the thing is contagious, even those who perhaps find themselves for the first time in the mountains get used to saying goodbye to greet those who cross on their path.
Sociality in the mountains: a bond that goes beyond greeting
The greeting between hikers is not only a form of courtesy, but a reflection of a deeper social connection. The psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, through his “Broaden-and-Buit Theory”, has shown that the positive emotions experienced in outdoor social contexts, such as mountain ones, expand our ability to think and act, building lasting personal resources and improving mental health. In addition, socialization during excursions favors psychological well -being, creating links that strengthen the sense of community and belonging.
Why do you say goodbye to the mountains?
There is not only one reason and the precise origin of this “rite” is unknown, it is like this, it is a consolidated habit, as well as a demonstration of kindness, sharing and exchange, which It contains in one gesture (a smile) and a few words (also a simple hello) all our humanity.
A perfect moment to reconnect with nature and others, sharing something beautiful, and also doing some digital detox (which we all deeply need).
Walking in the mountains is not only exercise, but also a training for the mind. Studies have shown that outdoor physical activity improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities. In particular, walking in natural environments stimulates the growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory and learning, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
As we said, then, the mountain shows us that We are all the same in the face of the fatigue but also to the beauty of what surrounds us And our nationality no longer imports, he greets everyone but everyone, including four -legged friends who enjoy woods and paths with us.
Greasing in the mountains is also a gesture of solidarity and comfort towards those who perhaps proceed uphill and are a little fatigued, thus also shows their willingness to help in case of difficult situations.
To those who do not often frequent the mountains, all this may seem strange, but those who are assiduous visitor of the mountains know how absolutely natural and spontaneous healthy it is, also because perhaps they recognize themselves in the others of affinities (even just the passion for the mountain).
All this – probably – does not happen anywhere else. As William Blake said: “When men and mountains meet, great things happen ”.
The reasons to spend a holiday in the mountains or do even just a “touched and escape” in the day are many and we summarized them in this article.
