The Art of Getting Lost: How Uncertainty Fuels the Best Adventures

📍 Weekly Neurodiverse Wisdom

The Power of Present-Moment Processing

That tendency to notice everything at once?

In uncertain situations, it transforms into an extraordinary ability to process multiple inputs simultaneously. 

During that unplanned detour in El Yunque, my ADHD brain's rapid pattern recognition helped me track subtle changes in the sound of water, identify safe pathways through the mud, and spot potential handholds—all while keeping our general orientation back to the main trail despite the downpour of rain and muddy conditions

Clinical Connection: Recent research reveals that neurodivergent brains demonstrate enhanced "bottom-up" processing—meaning we excel at rapidly integrating sensory details and environmental patterns, especially in novel situations (Brown, 2013; Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Groen et al., 2020). 

When we're exploring unfamiliar terrain, our brain's intense environmental scanning, and quick pattern recognition create a detailed mental map that neurotypical minds might miss.

This helps explain why many of us find peace in seemingly chaotic outdoor environments—we're not fighting our natural processing style but embracing it. Think of it as your brain's built-in navigation system, optimized for adventure.

Try This: Next time you're faced with an unexpected situation, take three deep breaths and notice what your mind is already tracking. Those "distracting" details—changing weather, subtle patterns, random facts—might be exactly what you need to navigate the moment.

🌎 This Week's Journey

Fresh on the Blog: "7 Hidden Quiet Spots at Colorado Ski Resorts"

Behind the Scenes: As I compiled this visual guide to Colorado's most peaceful ski spots, one theme kept emerging: our neurodivergent tendency to notice subtle details often leads us to the most extraordinary places. 

These seven sanctuaries aren't just quiet spots—they're proof that sometimes taking the less traveled path or getting "lost" means finding exactly where you need to be.

Unexpected Lesson: Some of my most powerful therapeutic & personal insights came from mapping these peaceful zones over the years. While documenting each spot, I realized that what others might see as "avoiding crowds" is actually a sophisticated form of environmental adaptation—a skill many of us develop naturally. 

These weren't just escape routes; they were carefully calibrated sensory management strategies that developed organically through years of mountain exploration.

Quick Tip: Create your own "sanctuary map" wherever you adventure or travel. Note spots where natural features (trees, terrain, aspect) create sensory buffer zones. Keep track of timing (early morning, late afternoon) when these places are quietest.

📸 Through My Lens

Hidden Cascades of El Yunque Rainforest

Technical Details:

• Device: iPhone 13 Pro Max

• Settings: ISO 50, 26 mm, f1.5, 1/120 s

• Location: Off La Coca Trail, El Yunque National Rainforest, Puerto Rico

• Time: 12:30 PM, April 14th, 2024

• Weather: Intermittent rain storms, high humidity

The Neurodivergent Perspective: When we release our grip on perfect planning, our heightened sensory awareness can guide us to extraordinary moments. 

While others might have pushed on toward the official trail end, my ADHD tendency to notice every detail—the subtle sound changes, the faint path, the shift in vegetation—led us to this hidden gem. 

That same sensitivity that can feel overwhelming in a crowded city became our guide through the rainforest.

Photo Tip: For rainforest waterfalls, try these four key techniques:

1. Use a slightly faster shutter speed (1/60 - 1/125) to maintain detail in the falling water while still capturing some motion

2. Shoot during overcast moments or light rain—harsh sunlight creates too much contrast in the dense canopy

3. Include surrounding foliage as natural framing elements, but keep your lens clean with a microfiber cloth (moisture builds quickly!)

4. Look for compositions where the waterfall is partially obscured by foreground elements—it often creates more depth than a straight-on shot.

🧠 Clinical Corner

Understanding Uncertainty Response in Neurodivergent Minds

Research Insight:  While ADHD and autistic individuals often show heightened initial stress responses to uncertainty, we also demonstrate superior abilities in:

• Rapid pattern recognition in natural environments

• Creative problem-solving under pressure

• Detailed environmental memory formation

• Quick adaptation to changing conditions once we trust our instincts

(Robertson & Simmons, 2015; Rodríguez-Armendariz, Vela-Romero, & Galiana, 2024).

Travel Application: This highlights a phenomenon I've observed both personally and professionally: neurodivergent travelers often thrive in "discovery mode" once they develop confidence in their natural abilities. 

The key isn't learning to overcome our traits but rather learning to trust them as reliable navigation tools.

Strategy: The "Confident Uncertainty" Framework

1. Start Small: Begin with brief explorations off main trails where you can still see or hear your starting point

2. Build Your Toolkit: Develop a personalized set of navigation strategies that work with your processing style (I use sound landmarks and visual patterns)

3. Document Success: Keep a quick note in your phone of moments when your instincts led to positive discoveries

4. Expand Gradually: Increase exploration distance and complexity as your confidence grows

5. Trust Your Brain: Learn to recognize when your heightened awareness is signaling opportunity versus danger.

⚡ Quick Hits

App Discovery

AllTrails Pro ($35.99/year–also a free version)

• Why it works: Reduces trail uncertainty with detailed reviews, photos, and conditions

• Best feature: Downloaded offline maps with wrong-turn alerts

• Quick start: Create "Lists" of potential trails before your trip

• Perfect for: Finding less crowded, sensory-friendly alternatives to popular trails

• Pro tip: Filter reviews by "Less Traveled" for quieter experiences

Sensory Hack

The "Rain Reset" Method

• Use falling rain as natural white noise for sensory regulation

• Start with 30 seconds of focused breath in sync with the rain’s rhythm

• Match movement to the rain's natural pattern—walk, sway, or stretch in flow with the drops

• Perfect for: Transforming "bad" weather into mindful moments

• Total sensory reset time: 2-3 minutes

Gear Spotlight

Bedrock Cairn Evo PRO Sandals ($130)

• Field-tested: 500+ miles across Colorado's peaks, Southeast Asian temples, Caribbean volcanos, and tropical waterfalls

• Fantastic balance of sensory feedback and protection while keeping you connected to your environment

• Why it works: 

  • Zero-drop design and minimalist footbed enhance natural sensory feedback

  • Y-strap system eliminates adjustment decision fatigue

  • Secure fit prevents distracting movement on technical terrain

  • Vibram® Megagrip outsole for confident grip in wet conditions

• Perfect for: Waterfall exploration, river crossings, and any adventure or hike where staying grounded matters

• Pro tip: Size up one size from your usual—they run small but need to fit precisely for optimal performance

🗺 Community Lens

This week, we're featuring Gord Follett Photography (@gord_follett) and his striking capture of an ephemeral moment in Newfoundland. His observation that 'every iceberg has its own shape and its own journey' beautifully reflects our neurodivergent experience of finding unique paths through uncertainty—each one temporary, beautiful, and perfectly imperfect.

This Week's Question: What's the best unexpected discovery you've made while getting "lost" on an adventure?

Share your photos with #FindJoyInChaos on Instagram or in our free Neurodivergent Navigators community on X, for a chance to be featured!