What Can We Learn from the Mountains?

When I look at mountains from afar, 

I am always in awe by the creation of nature. 

The grandiosity of life, much bigger than myself.

No matter its size, a mountain gives us a sense of stability. 

Yet when we go hiking, we encounter steep and slippery slopes.

Is that the mountain’s way of testing us? 

Or is it teaching us about resilience and perseverance- qualities the mountain itself embodies,

Standing upright through the passage of time,

Witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations,

Standing tall without judgement? 

The mountain has been my teacher.

I have discovered its abundance of wisdom 

The dangers it presents to us challenges us to learn and grow 

Much like our external world. 

These are opportunities for us to develop ourselves 

To learn compassion and kindness.

To express curiosity and creativity.

To learn to work with one another toward a common vision.  

To unite as human beings.

A Practice

If this resonates, you can try this simple practice:

Sit quietly in a cross-legged position with your spine and head upright. (If this is challenging, you can sit on a chair with your feet planted firmly on the ground.) 

Visualize the imagery of a mountain for 5-10 minutes every morning.

Breathe in and out smoothly through your nose, with your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth.

Good Health & Qi,
Anthony
Beacon, New York