Yes that’s me, meditating out on the Granite Park Chalet trail, about two and half miles in (or should I say, up).
This trail kicked my butt last year (twice) and I didn’t do any better with it this year. Admittedly, I expected it to be easier this year since I feel like I’m in better hiking shape. But alas, no. This is NOT an easy hike. It is an uphill grind for almost four miles and then four steepish miles back down. Before I sat down to commune with myself and the universe I was winded and miserable, and I still couldn’t decide if I wanted to continue. David, undoubtedly sensing that my ego was running amok (but I SHOULD be able to finish…!) suggested I sit on this log, enjoy the scenery (we are in one of the most gorgeous places on earth after all) and meditate a bit.
So I sat (Ahhhhh!), and looked around me and saw this:
Then I closed my eyes, and started to meditate. As a familiar feeling of peace descended on me, all the “shoulds” and “buts” fell away. I had a knowing that my ego had indeed run amok. I had stopped being present, and instead of enjoying the spectacular views and my spectacular husband I was fretting about why I wasn’t able to handle a decidedly strenuous climb.
Like many of us, I can struggle with tuning into what I really want. I can be hijacked by feelings of inadequacy or competitive tendencies that drown out my inner voice, the one that is aligned with the me that knows I am good enough no matter what I “accomplish”. And in that hijacked place I lose perspective and make decisions that seldom serve me well. Plus I’m not all that wonderful to be around. In the quiet and stillness of meditation I gain access to my inner voice and my inner wisdom. In this case I quickly knew that while I felt some disappointment that I didn’t have as much stamina as I would have liked, I was ready to turn around and enjoy, rather than dread, the rest of the hike and our day. And that’s just what I did.
As we made our way home, we were treated to some gorgeous scenery, and I was present for all of it. Here are some of the highlights in pictures (for you Shannon!):
And all is well.