each rock has meaning
Aug. 22nd, 2010 11:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
athenagrey My walks in the woods have become both metaphor and reality for the this part of my life journey. They have grown from tentative strolls on tame paths to my first two-night solo backpacking trip. I have grown stronger and more confident, finally able to see beyond certain limitations into some hidden strengths.
When I sit atop the tallest hill,
in this case Schatghicoke Mountain, looking across the other hills and valleys, I can't help but understand the depths of my will and determination. At times it was a difficult climb for me. The trail was rough and rocky. The day was hot and humid. I wasn't totally accustomed to balancing with a 23lb. pack on my back.
I got there because I was determined to do it. I got there because there is a lot more of the old Athena left in me than I had realized. I got there because I know what to do with obstacles: go around them or go over them. Crawl up them or slide down them on my butt, if necessary.
I was many things: tired, sore, smelly and thirsty. I was cautious but never afraid.
Being alone was the easy part. I met a handful of hikers each day, but was able to camp in solitude both nights.
The first night I set up my tent in a hemlock grove by the river, in the lowlands between the hills. The river sang me to sleep, but the night-chirping birds tried to keep me awake.
Rain has been scarce for several weeks, and the river is more rock than water. It was fun to wade in and sit on a rock mid-stream.
The second night I stayed deep in the hills, below the summit of Schaghticoke Mountain, on land that is part of an Indian reservation. I am grateful that the Schaghticoke Nation has given permission for us to pass through their land. This area, from river to mountaintop, is their traditional and sacred land and has been so for four thousand years.
One ravine had such an ancient feel. Memories settle in the still air, and I could sense the warmth of those who had tread these rocks before me.
More deeply, I could sense the warmth of She who is these rocks.
It is profound to see a place, one step at a time, moving at a natural pace. Each leaf takes on importance. Each rock has meaning. Each moment is a blessing.
When I sit atop the tallest hill,
in this case Schatghicoke Mountain, looking across the other hills and valleys, I can't help but understand the depths of my will and determination. At times it was a difficult climb for me. The trail was rough and rocky. The day was hot and humid. I wasn't totally accustomed to balancing with a 23lb. pack on my back. I got there because I was determined to do it. I got there because there is a lot more of the old Athena left in me than I had realized. I got there because I know what to do with obstacles: go around them or go over them. Crawl up them or slide down them on my butt, if necessary.
I was many things: tired, sore, smelly and thirsty. I was cautious but never afraid.
Being alone was the easy part. I met a handful of hikers each day, but was able to camp in solitude both nights.
The first night I set up my tent in a hemlock grove by the river, in the lowlands between the hills. The river sang me to sleep, but the night-chirping birds tried to keep me awake.
Rain has been scarce for several weeks, and the river is more rock than water. It was fun to wade in and sit on a rock mid-stream.
The second night I stayed deep in the hills, below the summit of Schaghticoke Mountain, on land that is part of an Indian reservation. I am grateful that the Schaghticoke Nation has given permission for us to pass through their land. This area, from river to mountaintop, is their traditional and sacred land and has been so for four thousand years.
One ravine had such an ancient feel. Memories settle in the still air, and I could sense the warmth of those who had tread these rocks before me.
More deeply, I could sense the warmth of She who is these rocks.
It is profound to see a place, one step at a time, moving at a natural pace. Each leaf takes on importance. Each rock has meaning. Each moment is a blessing.
