The time away from distractions that are not a part of true life allow the senses to breath freely. Hiking long distances, even if not a thru-hike , will allow all your senses to sharpen, as well as your instincts. Your inner voice speaks louder, and without TV, Loud Music, Helicopters, Traffic, etc…the ability to understand the world is so clear it becomes, well, clear as to why it is so important to appreciate every once of beauty out there.
The people you share these experiances with become kinsman, if they are not already. Your understandings of things, life and just plain old everyday growth will allow you to see what you never did before, hear what you have choosen not to listen to and to feel all the things that make you a stronger person overall.
Sometimes these very things are what make people go home, as a lot of folks can not deal with what they truly are, but the thing is this…if you give it time, you learn to forgive yourself as well as others, for allowing what ever it is that has been eating at you to alter and go back to what you truly are. This is too me the best part of it.
Admitting your faults, and growing from them, and all the time in the wilderness allows for these things to heal.
Lion King