Hiking To The Mountaintop
A number of years ago a dear friend took me on a four-hour hike. We peaked at 5700 feet and it was profoundly wonderful. I had never done a hike like that before and my friend proved to be a compassionate and knowledgeable coach. The sky was close, the mountains had their snow caps on and the sun on the pine needles looked like diamonds.
I am a mountain girl. Like those who long for the sea, I long to look at and visit mountains. I am restored and renewed in their presence. That day I felt the earth breathing and the rocks aware of my presence. There was a tall pine tree partially hollowed out by a fire that had occurred a few years before. The tree survived and had continued to grow. It reminded me of the redwoods of northern California. I walked quietly to the tree and gently touched the scorched bark and the exposed inner wood, tracing the lines of its rings. Then I stepped inside and closed my eyes, resting my forehead against the inside of a living tree! I prefer not to share the entire experience because it is personal to me. I will say that experiences like that one confirm to me the presence of Spirit in all things.
That day was given to me as a gift. My friend wanted to share a place that was sacred to his life and his journey. Together we felt the blessing of the Creator and the Oneness of All That Is.
The hike challenged me physically on many levels. I am grateful for my overall health, strength, and connectedness to my breath. I needed it all to complete that journey. It changed me. I am standing a bit taller and feel more confident than ever in myself. There will be challenges ahead that will cause me to remember hiking to 5700 feet. When I do, I will trust myself in whatever new challenge I am facing.
I was reminded that when we are not at our best is the time to allow another to guide and/or help us. My friend simply believed in me and coached my breathing as the air thinned and my lungs strained. We would stop and sit and speak of prana, life force energy, and the path of life. After a few moments, renewed, we would stand and walk upward once more. I believed I could do it because he believed I could do it.
In any life transition, there are uphill journeys. So, if you are there now, believe in yourself. Be gentle with your body and remember to use your breath for strength as well as calmness. Let friends cheer you on and remind you that they believe in you. Remember that those uphill climbs will tax your strength and stamina so give yourself time to rest during and after. Acknowledge your accomplishments with gratitude toward the Divine in you and in All That Is.
I suspect I have only begun to know the shifts in energy and changes of heart and mind that my mountain hike brought me. It feels as though my inner vision is clearer as is my perception of this present moment. Gratitude will continue to flow as each gift is revealed over time.
For now, thank you Great Spirit, Mother-Father Divine, Spirit of All That Is for meeting me so profoundly on the mountain top. Namaste.
Not all mountaintop are physical; many are mental & emotional. If you desire gentle guidance, I am here for you.🙏
Contact me with questions, appointment requests, or whatever is on your mind and heart: [email protected] And consider joining my online meditation group💖
