Be present. What is happening now? How do you feel? Be present. Breathe. What’s going on? Are you in this moment? Are you contemplating the next? Breathe. Are you drifting off? Are you here? Welcome to this moment. This existence. You wanted me. Well, here I am.
These thoughts were with me a couple of days ago during a long journey. I previously shared how Mother Earth invited me to connect. During my journey the next day, she worked me over. Or should I say, I endured an arduous process in my quest to enjoy the Earth I so admire and honor. (SMILE)
Crabtree Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains was my place of initiation. Waterfalls in the mountain forest – how wonderful would that be?!! Right?! Well, before the wonderful came a 1.7 mile uphill hike to the top of Crabtree Falls (not so wonderful). Along the way, I was enticed with the sound of rushing water and glimpses of holiness falling across smooth rocks from peaks high above. My initial excitement was replaced with doubt, tons of sweat, and a quickening heartbeat. I’d read about this hike for weeks in preparation. But nothing- I repeat – NOTHING, can do the actual journey justice. My Elders, teachers of indigenous cultural wisdom, have taught – you must take the journey yourself to REALLY know what it is about.
As usual, they were right. At times, I wasn’t sure if I could make it to the top. I thought about turning around. But, I kept on – one step at a time. I prayed. I acknowledged the beauty along the way. I embraced the pain that accompanied me. After a while, I just knew that I was walking and I would continue. An hour later, I reached the top of Crabtree Falls. The beauty of it was breathtaking. “This was worth it,” I exclaimed. I’d worked hard to get here. I was proud. I gave thanks. I felt full.
At the Top of Crabtree Falls, Blue Ridge Mountains
At the top, I realized that this journey is an example of the wisdom I’ve learned from my Elders. While many of us rush toward enlightenment, it is the journey that is most important. What do we learn as we search for more in our lives? How do we handle those moments on the journey to wiser living? Do we turn around and go back because it’s too hard? Or do we rest a bit and then keep moving? Indigenous Elders would encourage us to check in with inner selves – our Spirits – and then move however we are guided. They would also encourage us to feel as we move and to honor whatever feelings come up for us and let them guide us toward peace. And though we may not feel peaceful in the midst of the journey, we may one day wake up and realize that peace has replaced doubt and victory has soaked up our sweat and tears. Then we’ll say, I made it to the top and our hearts will with be full of grace in the honor of an outward journey transformed into inner harmony and joy.
