“The top of one mountain is always the bottom of another.”
— Marianne Williamson
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I was in the mountains of Scotland last week – near Glencoe, if you know the area.
I was often left speechless. In between the sweat and the puffing and the rain and the wind were some serious wow moments.
My mind was blown, and often. This awe-fullness meant I had several reminders about living well.
Here’s a rundown, for what it’s worth!
1. Simple is good
We need very little as humans. Stripping it all back to the essentials results in good times, automatically. Food, water, movement, fresh air, good company, an honest involvement in something rewarding … they all equal great sleep and lightness of conscience. Life is great with less.
2. Make sure you’re climbing the right mountain
Don’t follow any old sheep path. Make sure you like the look of the mountain you’re climbing.
3. Aim for something, but be where your feet are
Climbing a path, it’s tempting to focus on the top. Yet in doing that it always feels like the goal moves further away. It’s disheartening and dispiriting. The way forward is only being interested in the next step. Then the next. A journey of a thousand miles is all about being involved in the next single step.
4. Don’t forget to look around and admire the view
Lift your chin. The world is a spectacular place when you’re present to see it.
5. Slow down to go fast
Slow is steady, steady is smooth, smooth is fast. Ah yes. Slow steady steps save energy and are quicker in the long run. The old hare and tortoise story is true!
6. Go gracefully
Add step softly to that list of ’s’ words. Bashing my way up the path only hurts my joints and exhausts me. You can only keep force up for a little while. Walk softly – it’s smooth, silky, and an irresistible power.
7. Slog or a dance?
It can be a slog or a dance. It’s really up to you.
8. Don’t complain
When you complain, it gains gravity. It weighs heavier on you – and the others around you. Regardless of the conditions, the weather, the steepness of the climb, if you can’t think of anything good to say, don’t say it.
9. There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment – and bad attitude.
The conditions can’t get inside unless you let them. Which is awesome because they won’t be ideal, often. But you can make sure you’re ready. That includes practicing having a different attitude. You can have a glorious time in the worst places.
10. Pick your company
If you can’t find someone good to accompany you, go it alone. Great company is awesome, but sometimes adventure calls and you just have to answer. Get going and you’ll meet your people along the way.
11. You’re never finished.
There’s always more mountains to climb and views to admire.
That seems like enough for one day. What do you reckon?
Have a lovely week, talk again soon.
Go well,
Arjuna