Chapter 1: Hiking Into the Unknown

A few months back, I embarked on a familiar hike along the Museum Trail in Palm Springs, a route I've traversed countless times over the past five years. Typically, I spend around 45 minutes climbing before racing back down. However, about 30 minutes into my ascent, I caught sight of a rattlesnake weaving through the desert grass to my left. Panic set in, and I quickened my pace, already dreading the return trip. Would the snake still be there when I made my way back?

In all my years hiking this trail and many others, I had only encountered one rattlesnake—over three years ago. I had always considered myself fortunate to have had so few encounters with them.

Ten minutes later, another rattlesnake appeared, coiled up and resting right in the middle of the path. I was stunned; there was no way around it. So, I decided to cut my hike short and head back down, feeling completely rattled. I couldn’t get off that mountain fast enough. Just five minutes into my descent, I spotted a third rattlesnake, lying quietly in the shade on the right side of the trail.

What was happening? I finally reached the trailhead without further incident, but I felt disoriented. Every time I hike this trail, there's always a lingering thought in my mind: "Is today the day I encounter a mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, or rattlesnake?" While some of these encounters are more probable than others, they all remain possibilities.

I've had numerous encounters with the bighorn sheep of Mt. San Jacinto—majestic creatures. I once rounded a corner and nearly bumped into one just ten feet away. But on this particular day, I would gladly choose the bighorns over snakes.

Chapter 2: Confronting Fear and Its Impact

On a daily basis, I don't experience much fear. My dominant emotions tend to be joy and a vibrant creative energy (a topic for another post!). However, I do harbor a fear of animals and the dark. Reflecting on it, perhaps it's the thought of animals lurking in the dark that unsettles me. Much of this fear seems to stem from the wild imaginings of my mind. I hold a belief that something is lurking, waiting for me, ready to cause harm. Although this notion feels irrational as I write it down, it encapsulates the human experience, doesn't it?

In my work focused on connection, I often ponder how our fears and human nature affect our relationships. Before even engaging with others, do we project how interactions will unfold? Do we become anxious about others' perceptions of us? Often, these thoughts lead us to retreat behind a facade or withdraw entirely. If you manage to avoid this mindset, that's commendable. However, many of us tend to be preoccupied with our own concerns. If we choose to let go of these projections and confront our fears, we might just discover some rewarding experiences waiting on the other side.

And yet, I must tell you, the rattlesnakes of Mt. San Jacinto may appear to be harmlessly slithering through the grass, but in my mind, they are perpetually stalking me, poised to strike at any moment.

In this video, titled "Approaching 50 Wild Rattlesnakes to See If They Attack," the creator explores the behavior of rattlesnakes in their natural habitat, providing insights into their actions and reactions when approached.

In another fascinating video, "Albino Rattlesnake Stalks & Strikes Prey!! Feeding All My Snakes & Tegu | Herpin Hippie," you can witness the striking capabilities of an albino rattlesnake as it hunts and feeds, showcasing the natural instincts of these reptiles.

Meet Shaun Emerson

Shaun Emerson is the President and a Board Member at Men Living. With over twenty-five years of experience in the technology sector, both as an employee and entrepreneur, Shaun has managed teams and processes in sales, marketing, and operations. He has founded and led ventures in both for-profit and nonprofit domains.

For further reading, explore more articles from The Good Men Project on Medium, including:

• 8 Ways Good People Invalidate Their Partners and Ruin Relationships
• Alcohol Was My Mask
• A Man Tells Single Women: This Is How To Communicate With Men

About Men Living

MenLiving is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing men's lives through the power of connection. We create opportunities for men to come together, offering support and fostering friendships. Through an expanding range of virtual and in-person programs, we cultivate relationships that are essential for fulfillment, health, and longevity.