Three climbers skinning up towards St. Nicholas Peak on the Bow Glacier.(click for larger view)
What do you see as you go about your day? Better question still, how far can you see? Is it the four walls of your home or job? Is it the end of your street or the horizon from the town in which you live? Or do you see farther?
What do you see as you go about your day? Better question still, how far can you see? Is it the four walls of your home or job? Is it the end of your street or the horizon from the town in which you live? Or do you see farther?
Do you get to the mountains or some of the taller buildings here in Alberta and see things from hight or a good vantage point? Sometimes just changing your "optical" point of view can allow you to reset your concious point of view and restore your grip on reality. I say reality as I have in previous posts because when you get up here among the giants you start to remember that your life is relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
As I stood high above the Bow Glacier looking out across to St. Nicholas Peak I couldn't help think about what was really important to me and how grateful I was to be here. I was again reminded that the stress of work doesn't matter, the things I considered urgent doesn't matter, and whether things will work out in the future doesn't matter. What mattered to me at this point was my relationship with my family and dear friends that I share time with; What mattered to me was contributing positive energy to those I work and surround myself with; And what mattered to me was that I take this point of view and hold on to it for as long as I can until the next chance I get to stand among these giants for a renewed perception.
I am standing about 500' vertical feet above the toe of the glacier (about 8500'), the air is perfectly still and warm like a late spring day. There is no sound and the vast snow and rock landscape stretches out for miles in every direction. I feel connected and energized as if I am plugged into some source only found in the peaks and atmosphere closer to the sun. My body is at rest and I am calm as my spirit begins to recharge. I turn to look across at St. Nicholas and see the climbers skinning up the glacier and my heart releases just a touch of adrenaline. Like them I have worked to get to this place and will allow myself to experience the sensation and gratitude that our Canadian landscape continues to provide.
