Here, I sit at the summit of Mount Amos in Tasmania, Australia, which I had recently visited. The hike up the mountain was moderately-challenging and mainly involved rock-scrambling with some steep inclines.
Aside from the obvious physical challenges involved with the climb, I found that this experience presented me many mental obstacles which were far more challenging. Perhaps this was not too surprising, given that I do not do too well with heights!
The whole experience was a constant barrage of the breath-taking beauty of nature, capped-off by the stunning views at the summit, as you can see above.
However, despite the plentiful gifts from Mother Nature, the most rewarding aspect of this experience, by far, were the hidden lessons I was fortunate enough to receive.
At the base of the mountain, on solid ground, there is a sense of stability and safety; a sure-footedness. For every step taken, this feeling dissipates, ever so slightly.
As I ascended, the foundation beneath my feet felt less and less firm, less and less sure. This became a battle of mental endurance and perseverance, becoming more challenging as I progressed, never knowing exactly how much I had left to endure.
Finally, when I reached the summit, I had a great sense of relief and triumph, and was able to admire the reward of magnificent scenery.
However, looking out over the vast expanse of endless horizon, I was overcome by a palpable vulnerability.
I was faced with a ceaseless, overwhelming instability which I had no choice but to learn to become familiar with.
Standing atop the peak, I was arrested by the power of the mountain, the immensity of my surroundings.
I was shown plainly, and became acutely aware of my own insignificance in the universe.
It was truly humbling, and, ironically, powerfully grounding.
After taking a moment, sitting with the immensity of the experience, I turn to face the most difficult part (by far!) of the hike: climbing back down; here we go again.
It was a beautiful experience which really was a metaphorical representation for the journey of life itself.