I watched a movie about 11 hikers that died after climbing to the peak of a mountain in the Himalayas. While they were at the top ice sheared their ropes off and they had to climb down not attached to the mountain.
I have often wondered what kind of person does this kind of thing. What makes someone spend a full year planning an expedition and literally months on the actual mountain acclimating at each base camp. This is why they took the risk they didn't want to wait any longer even when they knew it was really too late. It would be after dark when the started to descend and they all knew that it the risk would be greater.
Is this what it takes to make us feel really alive a big goal that involves a lot of danger. I couldn't do it. First I am not into physical suffering of any kind. I guess I prefer emotional suffering instead. Some of the climbers tried to explain that when climbing they felt a sense of purpose all their energy going towards each moment.
It sounded a lot like living in the moment even if it was a very cold moment. Engaged in what they were doing staying focused or risking death.
Life isn't that interesting most of the time. Some of us create elaborate inner worlds that need our constant attention and some of us hike to the top of mountains and face death. No matter what it is entertainment it is what the mind looking for something to do.
I know that my own mind is never satisfied. Even yesterday while I was sitting on the porch enjoying the perfect day immediately my mind started searching for trouble. First it started telling me I couldn't afford to take off and then it started pointing out all the work that needs to be done to the house.
I didn't take the bait but I could see how easy it would be to let my mind have it's way with me. I decide to get out of the house and do some ordinary stuff.
First I got my oil changed then I went to my favorite Middle Eastern lunch spot and had some falafel. I bought a big bag of basmati rice and replenished my dwindling supply of curry powder. I headed for the the grocery store but not before stopping at Wendy's for a frosty. I am learning to like ordinary.
I enjoyed my ordinary day and didn't let my mind spoil it for me.
As I was reading the part about your mind never being satisfied, etc. all I could think was "move a muscle, change a thought" ... and then you wrote about doing that very thing ! It works doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteNice to hear that you enjoyed an 'ordinary' day. More people should learn to do that because that is what most of our lives are made up of.
ReplyDeleteIf we can learn to enjoy each day and look for the good in it, that sound like a pretty great life. : )
I watched that movie last time I was on the boat. It did boggle my mind about the pain people who climb go through. I wouldn't mind going to base camp but am not fond of thin air. Ordinary days are good ones.
ReplyDeleteI really do get your post. I used to look for big, elaborate experiences. I kept looking at others and what they had and what they did. Little by little, I am learning to appreciate the sunshine, hugs from the puppies, fresh bread out of the oven, the first sprig of green popping from the earth.....but the struggle is always there to want more. One day at a time, I guess.
ReplyDeleteordinary is good. 'middle of the road' is good, compared to high's and low's. distraction from the voices works. feeling at one with oneself is the best. have a good day, today!
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