Mountain Mystique

Photo by Neve, Mountains near Payson, NE AZ

The winter Olympics are currently being held in Vancouver, Canada, and like many people, I’ve been following my favorite sports on TV.  In addition to watching some great sporting events and amazing athletes from around the world, we get to see some beautiful mountain views and inspiring scenery. Whistler and Cypress mountains are magnificent, awe inspiring, and looking at such images refreshes the spirit since they show the grandeur of nature and the cool white, blue, green, and grey tones are calming and soothing.

People throughout the world have a deep connection with mountains, and many are considered as sacred sites.  Some examples include Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount Kailash in Tibet, Mount Shasta in CA, USA, Tai Shan in China, Mount Sinai in Egypt, and of course the Himalayas in India.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”   ~   John Muir, American Environmentalist

People are drawn to mountains for various reasons.  Some may be enticed by the four season recreational opportunities such as forested campgrounds, lakes for fishing, walks or hikes, mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding etc.  Many artists retreat to mountains either temporarily or permanently to rejuvenate their souls and for the inspiration they gain from the beautiful scenery, connection with nature, and peaceful atmosphere.  Whatever your reason for visiting a mountain, I bet that even after a long weekend, never mind a longer stay, you feel refreshed and more at ease.

Mountains are at a higher altitude than we are normally accustomed to, and therefore the air is usually cooler (this is especially enticing if you live in Phoenix in the summer!).  Many times mountains are forested with trees, and the combination of higher altitude, clear, cool air, and more trees literally makes you feel better.  Also, we generally are more active when we are in the mountains.  Even if you don’t do extreme sports, most people generally tend to spend more time outdoors, regardless of the weather.  Many people love to camp and hike in summer, and winter sports are also popular.  This allows us to connect with nature, which is very restorative, grounding and healing.

“The color of the mountains is Buddha’s body; the sound of running water is his great speech.”   ~ Dogen, Japanese Zen Buddhist

Mountains are majestic and stately because they tower above the surrounding landscape, and often end in a peak which points upwards towards the sky.  This has an uplifting, inspiring effect on the viewer, and often helps us contemplate our life and aspirations.  There are many scenic photo stops along the roadside in front of beautiful mountain scenery.  Mountains often force us to slow down, stop, and smell the roses.  Many mountains do seem to have a personality and unique feel all of their own.  Some seem more feminine, while others have a more masculine energy.  Sometimes you can sense this if you are open and merge with the existential energy.     

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”  ~  John Muir, American Environmentalist

Many people feel the call of mountains to relax and rejuvenate their spirits.  Others listen to the call of sacred mountains and make pilgrimages to various sites worldwide.  I remember as a child myself and my Dad climbed Croagh Patrick, an important pilgrimage site in Ireland.  At the time I was not too impressed with having to climb this peak, and remember whining and complaining as we made our way to the top.  However I think this, along with many family vacations driving through the mountainous Irish countryside encouraged a love of mountains and nature.   I definitely can feel the call of the mountains and I know when it is time to get out of the city and head up north for a few days.  When you are lost in the beauty of nature such as looking at a beautiful mountain view, it is a form of meditation.  For a moment or two, you may effortlessly enter the no-mind state.

There are many myths and legends surrounding mountains throughout the world.  Arizona has many mountains that are considered sacred to the Native people, such as the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, Arizona.   On the other side of the world in India lies Arunachala, a sacred mountain that many consider an embodiment of Lord Shiva himself.   

When you feel the mountains calling you, it is good to listen and pay them a visit.  You will see some beautiful scenery, enjoy the fresh, energizing air, reconnect with nature, and feel rejuvenated.  You might even gain a few new fresh insights into your life!

Do you listen to or suppress the “call” of the mountains?

How do you feel after spending time in the mountains?

Just for laughs!

 “Plastic surgeons are always making mountains out of molehills.”   ~   Dolly Parton, American Country Music Singer/Songwriter

Related posts:

1. Learn from Mother Nature Autumn has finally arrived, although here in the desert it...