1 August 2012

Which Mountain is it?  Which mountain is it I’m looking at?  Which mountain is it I’ve chosen to climb?  Are they the same?  Is the mountain before me My Mountain or is it simply My Next Mountain To Climb with My Mountain yet to be found?  What really is My Mountain all about?  At times I’m not sure I understand and at other times I come close to telling myself that I may not even care.

The mountain that looms above me is beautiful and inviting, challenging, but suggests that, despite its most likely having an amazing view from the peak, there may be difficult passages to negotiate along the way.  I’m sure there will be meandering creeks to satisfy my thirst but considering the environmental situation, I must always take extra steps and extra time to ensure that the water is safe.  There will also be a need to rest for the nights while I’m traveling.  Will I be safe?  Will I be comfortable?

I’m at the base now, finally at a place beyond the foothills where I can choose to begin the ascent.  Am I ready?  Is this the best point from which to begin?  I’ve traveled a great distance, had many worldly experiences along the way so I am, albeit possibly meagerly, prepared to continue.  I’m both anxious and pensive about the way ahead.

Whatever the situation, I must do my best at every step along the way.  By now in my life I know I’ll want to reflect on my memories of this trek to glean and dredge bits of additional knowledge.  I know that this part of my existence is certain to have great difficulties so along the way I must be observant and to make copious notes which, instead of anchoring me in what will then be the past, will instead help me discover new meaning from my journey.

Now that I’m in motion, realizing the great challenge on which I’ve started, I recheck: Is this My Mountain?  The beginning has been so difficult at times, I wonder if I’ll ever, maybe even plan to never, take on another mountain… even if this isn’t The Mountain I was seeking.

I’ve imagined that My Mountain will be the place where I can finally relax and be peaceful.  My character is not of living out life languishing in comfort but rather of finding harmony by way of a balanced routine; a balance between work, sharing, and learning but also of enjoying the moderate trappings that result from such a balance.  I value the benefits of work and involvement and imagine that my ultimate peace and my end will be, most likely, what I deserve.

I’m off again now.  I must continue.  This time, like most, I’ve set goals along the way that will help me get closer to the summit and then more goals that will help me to leave this mountain if it isn’t My Mountain.  Walk with me.