Climbing A Mountain
By Lynnze Martinsen
In efforts of painting my blank canvas for the day, I decided to allow my inner wisdom to paint my day. It took me on a stroll to the local mountain where it could connect with the wisdom of nature. I contemplated getting in my car and driving to the mountain because it’d be faster and more efficient. If I drove versus walk, I could get back home quicker and do whatever was next on my list. I stopped and tuned into the tape playing when “what the heck do you have that you need to hurry for?” came streaming through.
Good point. I’ll walk.
Along my stroll down Snow King Ave, I reflected on how grateful I felt living in a magical place that offers so many opportunities to connect with nature right at my finger tips and an able body to enjoy it all. It’s truly a privilege and a privilege I really try to not take for granted.
In choosing to walk, I realized I was also choosing to slow down and see life from a different lens. It encouraged me to became more aware of my surroundings than I ever have driving 40 mph down the same path. I passed one of my favorite creeks and saw it from a different angle. It had a pathway leading down to a few stairs that bellied up to the bank of the water. I imagined sitting on the stairs and how it would be an opportune location to meditate. I noticed trail heads in the neighborhoods that I’m guessing lead to trails I frequently travel. (Yep, added those to my mental map.) I noticed how my mind began to slow down with each step greeting the concrete. I slipped into the being mind and gently let go of the analytic mind of trying to figure things out. It was quite lovely.
Approaching my destination, I turned the corner and saw the mountain I was about to climb. I observed tiny specks of human flesh moving up along the zig-zag trail that led to the top as the ski lifts above made their rounds. The gate of creativity opened and the untamed thoughts were free to run wild.
A mountain is quite metaphoric to life. When starting something new or facing something that’s challenging me to grow, the journey can look and feel like climbing a mountain. It can feel insurmountable in many ways – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Yet, I know I’ll be rewarded for my hard work and effort to reach the peak. I’ll be rewarded with a new perspective of life and a new me that’s closer to the person I’m meant to be…or maybe it’s back to the person I have always been before life got a hold of me.
And so the journey begins…
I step onto the trail and the wisdom of the mountain began to infuse my mind. I was reminded that we only ever reach the top of the mountain by putting one step in front of the other. Each step of the way being necessary to get me to where I am going.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
I find part of the climb to be a bit steeper than others; some a bit rockier than others. I struggle to catch my breath as thoughts of wanting to quit percolate into my mind. I think, “I just don’t know if I’m cut out for this, maybe I should turn back now.” But my inner strength pushes me to keep going and bouts of calmness allow me to catch my breath and take a rest before I continue the climb.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
Light and dark weave in and out of the tree line coloring the trail in different shades. The sun shines bright in my eyes lighting the passion that burns within me. The shade calls to the shadow parts of myself asking to be loved versus pushed away.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
The single path disappears and I’m at a crossroads of two different directions. I look around for signs of guidance, yet there’s none to be found. A voice chimes in and says, “Trust your inner compass, it knows the way.” I choose which one feels right in the moment, and I continue on. I’m reminded that if I get too far off the path, I’ll know and I can always course correct.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
For a moment I take my eyes off the trail and look up. I find a lush green forest that’s been wrapping its arms around me the whole time. The beauty of life surrounding me reminds me of my own beautiful life. I also notice fallen trees, broken branches, and remnants of dead brush scattered around and I’m reminded of what once was and the strength and courage it’s taken to let go of the things that no longer serve my highest good.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
My journey up I encounter other souls who are on their own personal journey. They’ve reached the top of the mountain and offer me a word of encouragement to keep going. I draw strength and encouragement from them just when I feel I don’t have it within me to keep going.
Right foot. Left foot. I climb…
Getting tired, I look up and see how much farther do I have to go. It feels like a long way and defeat sets in so I stop and look back in order to find clarity. I see that every step I’ve taken, every obstacle I’ve overcome, and every turn I’ve taken is beginning to make sense. It’s giving me perspective.
Right foot meets left foot. I’ve made the top.
Taking in the victorious view, I’m overcome with feelings of joy, happiness, and accomplishment. I look down in review of the ground I’ve covered thinking, “Wow, how did I make it this far?” The answers gently sweeps through my consciousness and whispers, “You had it within you the whole time, darling.”
