4 Lessons from the mountains

4 Lessons from the mountains

Over the summer, I spent a week in Dolomites, Italy, climbing and hiking. It was one of the most challenging and yet exhilarating things I have ever done. Coming from a tiny city state with no mountains, I have always dreamed of being closer to nature. Since my move to Europe, I have made it part of my life to hike at every possibility I get. My recent mountain trip have left me with nothing but life lessons.

1.You feel everything.

The mountains can teach you a thing or two about emotional regulation, or maybe I should say emotional roller-coaster. You will experience everything from euphoria, excitement, anger, exhaustion, fear and pain. One minute you are filled with regret and exhaustion, and the next you are awed by the beauty of the mountains. If you struggle with managing your emotions then the mountains is where you should be. Trust me!

2. What goes up must come down

Somedays the hike feels like forever. You walk and you walk and you walk with some solace that you will reach the peak soon. With all your might, you reach the top. You are filled with euphoria and a sense of accomplishment, forgetting for a second that what goes up must come down. There is no where to escape and it hits you suddenly – I must descend. The mountains have a way of teaching you that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes you struggle and make it to the top, only to discover that life knocks you back down.

Nevertheless, the climb is worth every inconvenience. When you reach the peak, the feelings of achievement and happiness can be overwhelming. So overwhelming that you would not mind doing it over and over again.

3. Don’t be fearless, be courageous

I used to write the word fearless in all my journals and planners to remind myself to be unafraid in every endeavour. But I was mistaken. The mountains taught me that fear is a necessary emotion, one that will protect you. Fear made me think twice and be cautious with my steps. It is so easy to be complacent and attempt daredevil acts with a sense that nothing can harm you. During one such climb, we took a wrong turn that led us down a steep path made of loose rocks that was almost 180 degrees. I was genuinely afraid and froze as a single misstep could leave me falling to my demise. I recalled calling out “I am scared. I am scared.” I then took a moment to calm down and measured every step and possibility before I slowly made it back up to the right path. Being fearful at that time made me froze and rethink my steps, but it was courage that allowed me to carry on. Being able to move forward despite the fear is courage. So now I no longer want to be fearless but rather emulate courage.

4. Nature is the gift that keeps giving

Anyone who spends enough time in nature is aware of the calming and refreshing effect it has on you. Nothing cleanses your soul like being in nature does. What draws me to the mountains is the fact that nature is impartial. It does not care if you are rich or poor, coloured or white, female or male, happy or sad, it treats everyone equally. One cannot help but feel one’s smallness in the majestic beauty of the mountains. It has a humbling effect and reminds us that nature is a gift that can only keep giving.

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