The view from the top of the world.

The trek up Mt. Lassen was a difficult one. Physically, I've been on hikes that were more strenuous. In that way, it was not difficult at all, really. But I had forgotten about the wind which is chllly even on a hot day. I'm affected by it like many people in that a chill wind whipping into both ears causes a headache. But the views were so awesome, the connection with Mother Earth so strong, that I could not be stopped by a little pounding in my head. When we reached the top (Joker and I made it up first, Teeny was a bit behind us) I just looked around for an hour. I said hello to the Quarters, gave thanks to Goddess and God, and then just sat and looked, and re-charged.

Up so high (about 10,500 feet) you can see for literally hundreds of miles. To the north, crowned by white, puffy clouds, was Mt. Shasta. So majestic, an awesome example of the beauty and power of our Earth. To be there, so connected to Nature, so grounded with the pulsing of Life, is something that everyone should do. Maybe not Mt. Lassen, but somewhere like it. It makes me wonder how people survive without doing similar things. It made me wonder how I survived without grounding for so many years. The last 3 years have been full of change: Loss & growth, awakening and realization. Looking back on the times I was so hurt and lost, and seeing how it all shaped and focussed me, I cannot imagine being where I am today, without the lessons I've learned. Even when the pain was at its peak, I have been able to incorporate it into a strength that I have never known before. I have found me. I am a very small speck on this huge planet, but am a very large part of the overall picture. We all are. I wish we could all realize that.

The beauty and wonder that this world, this life, gives us is so special. So meaningful. Sometimes I fear that humanity might not ever wake up and see it. Sometimes I feel that catastrophe is the only hope for us. Other times, I feel that a mass awakening will occur and we'll see what is truly important. To use a quote from years past: "KILL YOUR TELEVISION!" As hokey as that may sound, it's a fact: Life is not inside a box in your house. It's outside: On the mountain-tops and in the forests. Even in the cities. Life is there, do yourself a favor and go live it.

L8r