“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
What kind of vision inspires you? I have distinct pictures in my mind of standing on mountain ridges where I can see for what seems like forever, and I am in awe of the beauty. However, part of the awe of these memories included the climb to get there. The journey to get there was a part of the beauty and the inspiration of the destination.
Recently, I had the opportunity to hike to the top of the second highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur Waterfall. It was a 1300-foot elevation gain with many adventures along the way. Each segment of that hike corresponds to common challenges towards a vision.
Visions of Great Possibilities
When my husband and I started the hike, we could not see the waterfall yet. We just had a vision of what it could be. We were excited and yet the journey there also felt daunting. We knew the hike was going to have some challenges but it all still seemed worth it.
Learning Opportunity:
When we have a vision, it is something we can see in our mind, yet it is also not a fulfilled reality. Within each of us is a purpose that fills us with inspiration and vision. Do you have a vision in your mind of some great future possibility? Are you able to see it and then articulate it?
The Cave
About a half mile into our hike, we became unsure of the direction of the trail. We then realized we had to hike down a rocky passage through a dark cave that then opened, and the trail continued.
When starting towards a vision, there are often unknowns. It may seem to lack clarity of which way to go. There can be choices that lead into the dark because we have never been here before and it is all new.
Learning Opportunity:
This reminds me how in the process of change, the second stage is called, storming. Change requires doing something different, which pushes us out of routine and comfort zones. We can begin to question ourselves and feel questioned by others. Is this going to work? Am I going the wrong way? Will I fail? Yet, if we keep the desire for the future vision strong, we can dig into our purpose and develop perseverance to move a step at a time. We come to a place of light and clarity as a part of this step in the journey and keep moving.
River Crossings
We continued the trail which at this point was flat and meandered alongside a river. All was going well. The terrain was easy to hike as we enjoyed looking and hearing the rush of the river water over rocks and boulders. Then we came to the reality that the trail crossed the river without a bridge. There were large rocks that you could navigate halfway across the river and then a log had been placed with one end on a rock in the middle of the river and the other end on the far riverbank. There was also a rope strung across the river to help provide some balance in the crossing. We knew that this had to be the trail, but we stood there in apprehension. Did we really want to do this? Was this safe and worth it?
At this point two hikers came up behind us and started the river crossing. We watched as they navigated the rocks holding onto the rope, then bent down under the rope halfway to get good footing on the log. They made it. We still stood waffling, and another two hikers came behind us. We also watched them navigate the crossing successfully. So, we decided to go for it.
I was thankful for my strong waterproof hiking boots but knew that it was going to be my own balance and being confident in my stepping that would get me across. I had watched to see which rocks had been stable for previous hikers and then once I started, I knew the key was to keep my momentum moving froward. My husband and I celebrated after we successfully made it across.
Learning Opportunity:
So, in our journeys towards visions in our own lives, we will also come to scary river crossings. We need to be aware of the resources that we have available to help us get there. Are there other people who have overcome a similar challenge? What can we learn from them? Are there tools or equipment that can help us? What is your mindset and are you nurturing your confidence, perseverance or a needed character trait that will help you get there?
The Ascent
Now that we had crossed the river, it was like a stake in the ground. We had come this far, and we were committed, which was needed because we now began the ascent. The rest of the trail to the top was now all uphill. Hiking with elevation gain is strenuous for the cardiovascular system. But also, on more rugged trails along ridges with several feet of drop to one side, it requires a focused mind that then coordinates well with the body. It is watching for proper foot and hand placement. Sometimes you are grabbing onto rocks to hold on and then other times thankful for chains that have been bolted into the rocks for use and trusting that they are secured well.
At this point with the strenuous push, what keeps you going? Because at the top of every ridge is another glimpse of the waterfall. Also, the higher you go up, the clearer the waterfall becomes. Sometimes we got off trail, and had to course correct, but we didn’t let that sway us. It is just part of the journey. We kept going.
Learning Opportunity:
In journeys towards our vision, we will come into seasons of high intensity. It will require a commitment of your whole self. Digging into the resources of your purpose and then also recasting the picture of your vision to keep going. You may realize a path you have taken is not working and so you course correct. You don’t let this deflate you or condemn you. You accept it “as is.” It is a part of the journey.
You will need to be caring for yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually because it will require all of who you are. It is investing in being in your top condition so that you can give your fullest. But this is the best kind of journey when you must surrender your whole self.
Reflection Moment
Well, I am going to a break in my story for now and finish it in my next month’s newsletter. Sorry to leave you with a “cliff-hanger.” 😊 As you have been journeying up the mountain with me, what reflection points do you want to take away:
- What is your vision? Are you able to visualize and articulate it?
- Are you in a time of “storming”? What helps you to persevere? How can you use your vision and purpose to keep you going?
- What resources do you have available? Are there other people, tools and equipment who can provide support?
- How are you nurturing yourself to finish well?
Read next month’s newsletter to see how the story ends!