“Adopt the rhythm of nature: patience is its secret.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Nature always awakens in us a sense of awe and admiration with its unparalleled beauty, mysterious principles, and enigmatic laws that govern the universe.”
“For ancient Greek philosophers, especially the pre-Socratics, it is said that they lived with a deep sense of this mystery. Plato, as well as the Stoics who came after him, believed that everything in nature is an expression of the divine. This infinite and eternal divine unity, a spirit that manifests itself in the multitude of the material world, propelling it towards growth, development, and the expansion of consciousness, ultimately leads back to the beginning, or the end of the cycle.”
“According to the Greeks, as human beings, we have a unique potential to consciously explore this path of union with the infinite source through beauty, justice, goodness, and truth. When these diverse expressions are explored, understood, and lived, they contribute to the process of discovery that brings us closer to our source.”
“In the world…” , by nature is transient, in which we place greater importance on the transient things, there is a danger of becoming entrenched in acquiring material goods and artificial, invented obligations that usually serve selfish needs driven by personal desires.
At the same time, a sense of captivity of the inner being is created, which has an innate need for freedom, although still dormant. Over time, this silent call of the inner being grows stronger. It is a call for fulfillment and realization of our own potential. It reveals the true purpose of our personality as an instrument for living our own dharma in order to recognize the higher purpose of our lives.
One way to remove the illusion created by the external, material world and allow us to notice the inner voice is to immerse ourselves in nature, in the mountains, with the ultimate aim of reaching the summit.
Unlike the everyday, passing events and occurrences we experience in the city, the mountains demonstrate immense endurance and stability. Sometimes we feel as if they radiate an eternal presence. e are increasingly drawn to the magnetic force. The eternal identity of man deeply resonates with this manifestation of the divine. Perhaps many Himalayan peaks are places of pilgrimage precisely because the ascent to the summit so powerfully attracts our inner being.
Mythological stories about mountains are said to hold the key to the secrets of nature that await to be discovered. This beautiful symbolism exists in different cultures throughout human history. The basic shape of a mountain can be found in the sacred monuments of some cultures, such as the pyramids in Egypt and Peru, and the architectural forms of Indian temples. For pharaohs and priests, the construction of pyramids and temples symbolized the relationship between the macrocosm and the microcosm, unity and diversity, God and man. It is evident that these structures served as a bridge to connect the divine aspect in man with his divine source. Similarly, climbing a mountain can help us discover our own divine nature, our true selves.
Every mountain has its own unique energy and vibrations that can have a profound effect on us. The blend of fresh air, breathtaking views, and tranquil environment can provide a space for reflection, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. As we climb higher, overcoming physical and mental challenges, we can experience a sense of liberation and connection with something greater than ourselves. In the face of the majestic peaks, we are reminded of the vastness and beauty of the universe, and our own place within it.
Moreover, mountains have been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and philosophers throughout history. The serene and majestic landscapes have sparked creativity and contemplation, serving as a muse for countless works of art and literature. The spiritual significance of mountains is often reflected in religious and philosophical teachings, where they are seen as a metaphor for spiritual ascension and enlightenment.
Whether we embark on a physical journey to conquer a mountain or simply admire its beauty from afar, the presence of mountains in our lives can be transformative. They hold a profound and timeless wisdom that can guide us on our own personal and spiritual quests, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things and the deep connection between nature and the human soul. It starts with intention and will. Action towards that goal begins when we decide to climb to the top, through preparation and work according to the plan, with discipline, perseverance, and consistency. Preparation involves obtaining physical fitness, but also taking care of logistics and equipment procurement. The possibility of equipment malfunction must be eliminated, as well as the possibility that, for example, gloves are not warm enough for climbing in the snow on a cold night. Packing equipment and tools for the journey serves as an exercise in prudence – we leave behind what is unimportant and carry only what is truly necessary.
In addition to physical and material preparation, readiness on an emotional and mental level is also necessary. The preparation is done individually, by each participant’s own will and effort. The leader or advisor can encourage us, give advice and suggestions, but the preparation is up to us.
The real journey begins with arriving at the camp. The challenges there are quite negligible and worth overcoming for the sake of the beautiful landscapes. Deep valleys, wild rivers, and beautifully blue sky exhilarate us. and evoke emotions that awaken the soul.
As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner, with less oxygen. Any activity requires more energy than usual. Without proper acclimatization, even a laughter can leave us breathless. Therefore, the less baggage we carry, the easier it will be to climb.
There is also the unpredictability of the weather, which can be an opportunity to prove our inner fearlessness. Being so high in the mountains, we are very close to the clouds, so when thunderstorms occur, they don’t happen above us, but all around us – thunderclaps echo everywhere, creating an incomparable dramatic experience. Immensely magnificent and captivating mountains can sometimes deceive us and make us forget how merciless and threatening they can be. A powerful avalanche can effortlessly sweep away even the most carefully pitched tents, even when the camp is set up in the most protected place. These are just some of the various dangers that we must be aware of, so the one who climbs must constantly be cautious. Being awake and alert, aware of the surroundings and oneself.
All doubts and fears should be set aside, no matter how deeply rooted they are, and replaced with strength, courage, and self-confidence. Courage and certainty in one’s own readiness and ability are just as important as any piece of equipment or tool that facilitates the climb. As we progress gradually, the ascent turns into a process of inner purification, shedding layers of flaws and imperfections such as arrogance, weakness, or cowardice. Physical, energetic, emotional, and mental limitations need to be overcome, allowing the will of the higher self to surpass the voices of the lower self with virtues such as sobriety, patience, perseverance, focus, attentiveness, and precision.
And finally, the peak – known as the “summit day”. The team is ready to conquer the last section of the ascent – the actual peak. They start during the night when the snow is firmer. A typical summit day, with the return, lasts for about ten… At fifteen o’clock, it culminates with the sunrise, providing the most incredible and inspiring panoramic view.
The night climb to the top is an activity that drives us to delve into our inner self, with each step forward, until reaching the ultimate goal. I experienced it as a deep introspection that focuses the attention of the senses, awakening deep feelings of belonging and expanding awareness.
However, all this inner introspection still does not guarantee conquering the mountain peak, due to numerous risky obstacles that could have a fatal outcome. For example, soft and fresh snow can easily trigger an avalanche, which is a very real threat to any ascent. Less dangerous, but still unpleasant, are the weather conditions when strong winds and low temperatures cause frostbite. Exposures to such dangers are true lessons in humility and respect for the forces one encounters. They encourage gratitude and admiration for the strength and grandeur of nature, while simultaneously reminding us of our own limitations. respecting her power and ability to slowly but surely confront us face to face with some of her laws, both externally and internally. This is an exercise in expanding awareness: slowly encompassing all elements at different levels, dispelling the darkness of doubts and fears of the unknown.
However, when the journey is successful and the goal is achieved, the triumphant feeling of exultation and joy allows us to glimpse another reality. It fills our entire being with an elevated sense that makes us stronger, yet still humble. Upon returning from such a journey, the whole experience is relived for days, even weeks. This achievement is intoxicating, stimulating, sparkling, and inspiring. Allowing nature to manifest our inner being pushes the boundaries of our personality and helps overcome the limitations imposed by our fears and desire for comfort. Returning to familiar surroundings, the comfort of the city, that feeling of empowerment slowly fades away. Material forces once again dominate, and all that remains is a vague memory of how and It seems to be freed from the limitations of personality.
This “spiritual intoxication” can encourage us to discard many layers that cover our inner self, layers of worries, fears, anxieties, doubts, constraints, and imperfections that surround us, and which are not characteristics of our true eternal and divine identity. In order to enable inner blossoming, we need to dare to overcome the illusion of separation, regardless of what we are currently doing and the path we have chosen. By doing so, we can experience the beauty of life, the divine that is expressed through the material. This will allow our higher self to express itself through our aspirations and our work, leading us to a place of lasting happiness, joy, and gratitude.
It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
Edmund Hillary