Summiting Mountain Peaks: Effort, Awe, and Life Lessons

I have an affinity for mountain top views and the journey to reach them. Here’s why: It takes great effort and intention to reach the top. In some cases, like this one, it takes all the reserves of energy you’ve got in you. I love the aftermath of knowing those mental benchmarks and employing them in future activities, hardships and quests. Summiting the peak isn’t the hardest part. Descending is. Mentally preparing for that journey prepares you for life in countless ways. Awe, inspiration, humility, quiet, stillness, centeredness… these are all energies gleaned from mountain tops. To stand atop giants isn’t to feel giant yourself, its to feel feebly small, to take in what it means to be a human. To witness with your own eyes the curvature of the earth and our small roles in it. To get a glimpse of how far you’ve come, and shiver at the thought of how far you still have to go. There is much community, bonding, and belonging in summiting with others. You will always go further together than you ever can alone. This I know for sure. The scale of time is immensely present. The vibration of the earth as you climb, especially the tallest of peaks, allows the realization to set in that you’re gripping and walking upon some of the oldest spaces in our existence. To experience them with all 5 senses, and realize that our lifetime is just a dust fleck along their immeasurable timeline stays with you and makes you want to do the most with your one precious life. It echoes to your soul “you will one day die, and so you must live now.” I could go on… Reaching the peak of Adams on this day, with the community of old and new friends alongside was special to say the least. Thanks @sea2summitexplorer @hellofrankenbery @connorwillgress @mstorace11 @thatbutlerthough @spence4prez @thatpnwgirl for helping me get there and making this adventure so memorable 📸 shot and edited by @sea2summitexplorer