I one travelled to Ushaia Argentina and then simply picked a random hill to climb. It was about 3000ft and had snow on top in summer. I was under a lot of stress because my wife was in town and had an injured back. I contemplated if I should go all the way up (there were no paths) but decided I will probably never have the opportunity again. When I finally made it up I could see into a valley without any human development. It was one of the best moments of my life. Since this day I go out into nature more often and also spend a couple of nights outside alone. I always come back clearheaded.

I did the same thing, also in Ushaia. I wandered away from the water towards the hills. Soon, I found myself heading up the snow to the top. No-one else around.

I've experienced this crystal clarity a few times in my life. Once, lying with my dog in the yard as a teenager, and another time driving over a hill and seeing a beautiful sunset. I experienced an almost overwhelming joy and love of life.

I am not a religious person but I think these are known as "Peak Experiences". [0]

I also experience "ASMR" [1] and maybe these things are related.

[0] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_experience

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_sensory_meridian_res...

Thanks for the link to Peak Experience.

Two years ago I spent six months driving across the country, camping and hiking in national parks. I experienced several instances of what I described as "transcendent ecstasy", which sounds like a similar phenomenon.

Very interesting! Thanks for the links!!

I haven't experienced the latter, but I bet it works :)