What I learned in Patagonia

And how nature quenches hunger

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile. December 2023. Windy season, as evidenced by the clouds.

December is windy season with around 16 hours of daylight in Patagonia, Chile.

Look at the clouds in the image above to see -and perhaps even feel - the wind effects. Not to mention the breathtaking terrain that spans endlessly in every direction.

Sometime after 10 pm one night, Larry and I were in the middle of enjoying dessert - yes, that late! - with our new friends from the day’s hike when the sky drew us out of our seats and outdoors, prompting us to take pictures of its magnificent post-sunset colors.

Here’s what I got at 10:19 pm! Stunning, but not even close to what it was like in real life.

the sky at 10:19 pm in Patagonia, Chile

Alaska v. Patagonia

Because these two places are asked about in comparison, I want to mention that we visited Alaska 6 years prior. The skies, mountains, and water there are breathtakingly pristine and magnificent; I had never seen or felt anything like it before.

Patagonia feels even more so, partly because it’s more remote and so close to the bottom of the Earth. In fact, they call it the End of the Earth: Fin del Mundo.

• The reason for visiting Patagonia is outdoor adventuring (hiking). Alaska is better known for cruises and sightseeing.

• Patagonia’s infrastructure is much less developed, which means more unadulterated nature.

• The people in both places are equally fantastic.

As beautiful as Alaska is - and absolutely worth visiting because they are in fact two completely different experiences - the hiking, lakes, and mountains in Patagonia, for the reasons listed above are incomparable. I wouldn’t have believed it though had anyone told me that while in Alaska. There are some remarkable places in the world.

the round, spiral shaped clouds on the upper right are called lenticular clouds, formed by the high winds

The clouds you see in the upper right are called lenticular clouds. They are in circular spiral formation due to the high winds, as you can see by my hair and scarf going in the opposite direction. Let me tell you, I’m not a fan of wind, but this was totally okay for me. The magnificence of Patagonia makes you forget about any arguable downsides you might think up about nature.

You don’t want to get too close to the edge of the mountain top when the winds are this strong, however… check out this 23-second clip all the way to the end, with sound on, so you can see what’s going on:

The light, the air, and the breathtaking landscape of Patagonia implores you to go outdoors to walk, hike, and explore everything.

Indian Bread parasitic fungus (Poria cocos) and Sand Lady Slippers

scenes from our hike in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Sadly, I don’t remember the name of these amazing animals below. Also, I’m sorry I ended this clip before we could hear our guide’s answer to my question!

All this to say, Patagonia affirms that…

We yearn for nature. When we’re in it, we lose ourselves to it and become fully alive.

That’s because we ourselves are nature.

So when we become one with it, we feel complete. And in that wholeness, we become present. And in presence, magic happens.

Which is why Patagonia is such a draw for those that yearn to move into being. To celebrate this vehicle we call our body and engage with the Earth.

It’s natural terrain and environment brings us back to our essence. We become calmer, more grounded and nourished. We naturally take deeper breaths and notice our surroundings with more clarity. The beauty inspires us deeply. Our circulation flows.

When you are immersed in nature, which, may I remind, is a reflection of you, you…

• …ease into parasympathetic, relax-and-digest mode.

• …access Joy, and stress becomes fleeting instead of chronic.

• …feel at one, and you access the deep love, curiosity, and respect for all things.

• …open up.

• Your spiritual hungers are met: these are the hungers that every human has regardless of identity or status (i.e. hunger to be seen, loved, heard, to matter…).

• You search less. You stop confusing your spiritual hungers with hunger for food, things, or what you think the world must do for you to feel okay.

• And when it’s time to eat, you might forego dessert because you are contentedly full… OR you choose dessert to celebrate with others, and enjoy it with immense, guilt-free gratitude. Either way, every cell in your body loves you for it.

this was my dessert: lavendar and something creme brulee

Definitely go, if you can, to any part of Patagonia - it spans across two countries: the bottoms of Chile (where we were) and Argentina.

Patagonia is nature immersion.

If you’re unable to go, find your nearest waters, mountains, and trees. The denser the better. At the very least, get fresh air, daily. Enjoy the park nearest you.

My doctor once said,

If the sun is out, get outside.

and my children’s early childhood teachers would always remind us parents that

there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad dress. Get outside.

In case getting outside isn’t possible for you today, here’s an important hack:

Meditate.

Because, as I mentioned earlier, you too are nature. And you can always connect with nature, and become one, through meditation.

You are, in truth, Patagonia.

Love, Savitree