(This article was first published on Huffpost)
I have had the privilege to organize numerous hiking, backpacking and trekking trips in the Washington, DC area, the U.S. and worldwide for the past 10 years. In that capacity, I have learned tremendously from the experience about group dynamics in the outdoors. In any scenario outdoors, it's important to learn to respect and understand one another and even more so when you have a diverse group of individuals who come from all walks of life. As the organizer, the diversity I have encountered in my groups has afforded me some of the most enlightening experiences on the trails.
Nature is a place for comfort and peace for anyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation and whatever else. It is there for us when the current state of our lives lacks the ability to provide us a safe and joyful space.
Today, and on any other day for that matter, as mountain enthusiasts, let's celebrate the reasons why diversity is such a beautiful addition on the trails.
Diversity is never boring.
Our varied viewpoints on any subject under the sky will range from a simple one to a complex dissertation of the meaning of life. It can never get boring when at times people's opinions clash and we strive to understand the experience that propels the other to think the way he or she does. It's just never boring when you have a variety of people from every corner of the world, of different races, and of any ages. Differences add spice. Enjoy the process of finding the commonalities amidst the disagreements. Don't be surprised if in the end you become friends.