A Reflection on Awe
What humbles me are mountains. My Ego says “Hell yah I can climb/hike that peak no problem. “ So, I begin climbing said peak thinking about how easy this is going and that I’ll be up in no time. After a while, fatigue settles in. I start to think about the heat, food, relationships, distractions, and completely forget about the task at hand. In reality, one, wrong move and I roll an ankle… or worse. Then I remember this saying I tell myself “The mountains will humble you if you get too cocky” in order to return to a place where I am present. Boy oh boy, the realization that I can get hurt or die and lose everything freaks me into presence. I am in awe of the power of nature and the fragility of man.
Mountains are huge sources of beauty and energy. They radiate Earth and power. They are Gods. When I am in the presence of an astounding peak, I feel like I must bow and kiss the Earth at its feet.
Mountains are often the source of water and subsequently, Life. Streams flow down from melting snow, gathering and producing rivers and high alpine lakes. Plants and trees gather around this water. They bathe in the flows and pools. Here, plants can show beautiful flowers, gently asking for an admirer. Often a bee or a fly settle in and get a sweet slurp of nectar. Less often, a walking monkey sits down and says, “Woah. I am in absolute awe of your beauty.”
