Over the years, I have spent a significant amount of time visualizing what it would be like to get to the top of the mountain that always seemed to be right in front of me. Each time I’d make it to the top, I’d stand really tall and sort of scream and send an echo of victory over the land. I guess the Lion King comes to mind when I think of a really good scene to compare my thoughts too. I’m on the top of this mountain that felt like it took forever to climb; the wind is gently brushing my skin; and the sun fills my body with warmth as if to give me a congratulatory hug. Can you imagine it? Again, think Lion King. The part where Simba is held up and celebrated to be exact.
Only, I wanted to feel like a lion…. Not a cub.
In fact, there were times I would imagine making it to the top and almost letting out a roar. I think that is indicative of the ways our inner worlds want to come out into the open. We spend years taming the animals within us, it’s no wonder there is such a burning desire to be set free.
The concept of stepping into who we are meant to be has been shared in different ways over the years. Some have described their own experience like the way a butterfly develops through metamorphosis. I have heard others describe how they want to unzip their current shell and allow their true self to step out into the open. The ways that other people create a visual in their minds to help make sense of what they are feeling is absolutely incredible. The adventures I have gone on in my mind while listening to others experiences has been fascinating.
Stepping into myself has had me climbing my mountain. And this one seems to be the most common one I hear in my practice. So, it makes me curious.
How big is your mountain?
Mine looks a lot like the one you see here in this image. Mountains seem to represent beauty, strength, and a strong sense of presence and purpose.
In some ways, I guess I see mountains as God’s speed bumps in life to remind us to slow down.
When I was growing up, my grandfather used to take me to the only little mountains close by. In comparison to what one might see in Colorado or Montana, the Wichita Mountains look like hills at best. My grandfather would take me and my brother to these mountains often. I am not sure what he was thinking letting us climb up and down the side of the mountain as small children, but I’m glad he did. We never lacked in adventure when we were with him. Going to the mountains was some of the greatest adventures of all!
Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the mountains now as an adult. I still make trips to the Wichita Mountains when I feel like I need to disconnect from the world. This is where I have been going to connect with the visual described earlier. Every time I return home from these short visits, I leave feeling a little more reassured that I am moving in the right direction. I feel a little more confident, more loved, more vibrant, and more connected to my late grandfather. I leave with more clarity on what my next step is.
I watched a documentary about people training to climb Mt. Everest a few years ago. I found this fascinating simply because it sure seemed to represent the way life is approached… or perhaps how it could be approached.
Take a look at the description below pulled straight from Alpine Ascents:
“To reach the summit of Everest (29,035 ft./8,850 m) you must be in top physical, emotional, and psychological condition. Benchmarks for physical conditioning include: Successful previous trips above 20,000 ft. whenever possible, during which you will gain experience dealing with gear and equipment; handling extremely cold temperatures and extreme altitude; gaining solid cramponing skills both on and off rock, snow, and ice; rappelling with a pack on; and using ascenders and jumars on a fixed line. In addition to solid alpine living, snow, and ice-climbing skills, you need significant strength endurance, high-altitude tolerance, and strong cardiovascular conditioning.”
Now… let’s read it again with a few changes that I made to make it more applicable to Ascending Life.
To reach the summit of Life you must be in top physical, emotional, and psychological condition. Benchmarks for conditioning include: Successful previous trips to the depths of your psyche whenever possible, during which you will gain experience with coping skills and problem solving skills; handling extremely difficult people with horrible attitudes; gaining critical life skills both in and out of the arena; navigating through life with healthy boundaries; and using your core values on a fixed line in order to help facilitate a growth mindset. In addition to a healthy mindset and heart-set, you need significant strength, endurance, self-discipline, habits and routines.
Could you imagine climbing straight to the top of Mt. Everest without training?
No?
I can’t imagine anyone beating themselves up emotionally for needing to train to conquer this climb. But we do this to ourselves in life on a regular basis.
Maybe your mountain is becoming a better parent to your children than what you had growing up. Maybe it’s starting that business you have always dreamed of, beginning a new relationship, moving to a new city, or…
Perhaps your mountain is learning to love yourself.
Just imagine how different life could be if we approached it like we are training for the climb of ours lives! Because we are! And you know what else climbing has in common with the adventures of life?
SUPPORT!
They never climb alone and neither should we. Gather the people you want and need in your base camp; take a few people with you on your climb; gather the knowledge needed to go a little further each day; and know that you will acclimate to the altitude or, ways of ‘being’.
It is never too late to begin training. Reach inward for the truth and outward for support and begin to ascend my friends!!
I feel like I have finally made it to the top of my mountain. I like the view from up here and I think I will set up camp here for a while. It’s been quite the expedition getting here. I know I will come across other mountains in life that represent different challenges. More of God’s speed bumps will appear when I need to slow down. For now, I am going to soak all of this in; the view, the company, the love I feel for myself and those around me…
Thank you, God, for showing me the way and never giving up on me!
Until next time… the Joy is found in the Journey!
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