Exploring the Summit and Peaks of Your Mind
For those of us whose passion it is to try and cross physical or geographic boundaries, recently our boundaries have become that of brick and mortar of which we are encouraged not to leave. Some will see this as a time to reset and recharge, whilst others will struggle with loneliness and isolation. I’m a great believer that landscape and adventure first originate within the mind, well before they are played out on the rock faces or summits for real. Lets cultivate support and positivity as a local and wider community and never forget that we can all wander, climb and explore the landscapes of the imagination, as no boundaries exist there.
Bring the outside, inside:
Like many, I go into the wild places for nature induced connection and creativity, to test myself and to release the overwhelming pressures on the modern mind. It’s always been a place to get away from the rhythm and rush of contemporary life and the never-ending stream of external stimulation constantly pulling at the strings of our senses. I would go as far as saying nature is a sanctuary. I believe it’s the wilderness herself and time spent outdoors that heals, restores and teaches us well beyond the physical landscape of the body. For me, thats why the boundaries of the four walls have never felt so small.
Yet how can we cultivate that yearning for the wild places from the frontiers of our home and what can we do to stay positive and proactive?
• Conceptualise – Dream big, unfold maps, journal & write. Research regions & landscapes, routes, ranges or rivers.
• Read, Listen & Learn – About the machinery of nature, the living world and how it works.
• Plan – Where would I like to go, with who, how and most importantly, Why.
• Story – What story would I like to tell? - A human, geographic, environmental or global story?
Treasure and Drive
Ive found working on those steps will create a spark, like the clash of flint on steel. A spark that will, in time, ignite an ember, that leads to a precious appreciation for time spent outdoors. The reality is that we are for the time being, somewhat confined by the structural borders of our homes, but not the vast fabric of our imaginations. Not for one second does that mean we can’t dream, plan and imagine. In time, things will return to normal, our feet and smiles will find themselves on the back-country trails once again and we’ll have a new appreciation and perspective of the wild places we will come to know and love. For the time being, it’s all a lesson in patience.
Keep exploring people, even just for now, into the summit and peaks of your imagination.
