Moving Mountains

It was summertime in the Rocky Mountains near Estes Park, Colorado and I was hiking along the Lawn Lake Trail with the intention of reaching the summit of Hagues Peak. Each step forward brought deep breaths of crisp high-altitude air that was infused with the natural aroma of fresh earth. Walking alongside the vast amount of aspen trees whose appearance when looking up seemed to reach as tall as the mountains themselves. In my mind meditation used to be thought of as a “spiritual” practice for those who believed in something far out of the ordinary. I had always related meditation to the contemplation of abstract philosophies and countless hours spent in silence.

As I continued through the low roughage and abundance of shrubs that grew over the narrow trail path I came upon a clearing at the edge of the mountain side that presented a spectacular panoramic view of the Rocky Mountain range. I had recently been through some very traumatic experiences and as it did most of the time the imagery and emotion of the experience weaved its way in to the center of my attention. As I sat gazing into the distance my vision stayed focused on the external world while my mind began to fade into deep thought. This experience was different from others—a powerful confidence and awareness came over me allowing me to face the troubling thoughts in an accepting nature. My body began to feel weightless and my mind clear. With the image of the sun setting over the snow capped peaks of the Rockies, I felt peace and clarity. I thought to myself “is this meditation?”

My future held obstacles that seemed as large and unfamiliar as the mountain I was climbing. I knew if I were going to conquer them it would take considerable patience and perseverance similar to climbing. I recently returned home from an eventful freshman year at Kansas State University and currently continue my studies at the College of Lake County. I had a life altering experience at KSU that brought me back home humbled with a greater awareness in life. As I continued to further my education through a fluctuation of logical and creative classes I found new ways to process the event and find greater meaning of the experience. It wasn’t until reading Descartes Meditations that my many scattered thoughts began to align.

I learned the practice of being still, calming the mind, and reflecting on daily events to absorb the necessary information that my everyday experiences provide me. You don’t have to sit in a full lotus position, practice yoga, or drink green juice to believe in meditation. Meditation can be active and fulfilling as well as static and controlled. I write this today as a meditation, reflection, and a testament that no matter how daunting the challenge you are facing, there is always a way to overcome and climb the mountain in your way of living a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. This I believe.