Nature has so many amazing lessons for our spiritual journey. I recently was in magical Sedona, AZ for a retreat and set out early one morning with some friends to hike a mountain.
1. To Climb High You Must Lighten Your Load
When you’re climbing a mountain, it’s important to lighten your load first. I chose to climb with only a camera in my pocket and a water bottle in my hand. Another friend of mine had a heavy pack …..with camera equipment, a few water bottles, food and extra gear – all for a one hour hike. By the top of the mountain he was definitely feeling all that extra weight!
In life, we’re always growing and evolving. To move to the next level of our success, it’s imperative we continuously lighten our emotional baggage. Do your emotional homework so you can leave limiting beliefs or old stories about the past behind you. You’ll enjoy the journey far more.
2. Watch Where You Put Your Feet
We hiked up one of the gorgeous red rock hills of Sedona, and at times the footing was treacherous. To climb safely, I had to focus. I became very aware of where I was placing each step. A misstep on a loose rock resulted in a painful fall in the cactus for one of my hiking buddies!
Our greatest power is always in the present moment. Bring attention and focus to what you are doing right here, right now in order to move ahead.
3. Stop and Enjoy the Views
As we puffed our way up the mountain, I was reminded of how important it is to stop and appreciate the progress we had made. Often the view down behind me on the path was every bit as spectacular as the view up ahead. Take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and re-energize yourself for the next stretch ahead.
4. Mountains Have Peaks and Valleys
As we reached the top of our mountain, other new mountains I previously hadn’t seen came into view. Life, like a mountain range, has peaks and valleys. The valleys aren’t “wrong” or “bad,” they just are. The depth of the valley gives context to the height of the mountain just next to it.
Progress isn’t linear. There are no escalators that effortlessly connect one mountaintop to the next. The skills, wisdom and resources you are required to draw upon in that moment of challenge in the “valley” is exactly what will enable you to climb that next mountaintop in your life.
5. Share Your Experience
My hiking buddies and I returned in time for breakfast with others in our group. We greeted them with smiles on our faces and stories about the beautiful experience we had. Next thing I know, another handful of new hikers decided to tackle the mountain inspired by our enthusiasm and sharing.
There is enormous power in sharing your experience with others. Don’t minimize the value of your life wisdom. As we stretch and explore and share, we inspire others to do the same. You never know when one moment of you sharing your heart with another will inspire them to climb an important mountain in their life.
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