Today the Earth told us it was alright to go, so we did. It was our 10th day of the trek, the climax of the trek. Today was the day we went to Kala Patthar, which rests at a healthy 18,500 ft, but more importantly, was a viewpoint at the seat of Mt. Everest.
In all we had to walk about 4 miles and 2,000 ft up. An easy feat in Flagstaff, but with the snow and altitude one of the most physically trying things I’ve ever done. Every step demanded magnificent effort and at least one breath. When contemplating Alchemist ideas of following destiny, I’ve noticed it could be hard to recognize when our suffering was a sign to change course, and when it was an inevitable struggle that one draws strength from in achievement of dreams. I have no secret to decipher between the two, no “destiny’s key”. But this unbelievable difficult stretch was certainly the latter. No part of my essence doubted it.
Overcoming this struggle rewarded us with a glimpse of unmistakable beauty. At the wind-blown peak, the snow-dusted valleys, boulders and hills yearned for my eyesight, but the power of Mt. Everest demanded my appreciation. Here I was. Looking out toward the highest point on the Earth, 29,000 ft high, twice the size of the Rockies. With the reflective state of mind I found myself in the past few days, you’d think that I would draw some meaning of humanity or nature from the most brilliant landmark on the planet. But, with a tight clench of my Traveler’s Key, none came. Instead, I was simply content in its beauty. No brilliant insight, no deeper meaning - just unmistakable beauty. Yet again, I almost cried. Apparently the Traveler’s Key is also quite adept at turning me into a big “softie” who would probably be ridiculed at any Rugby party across the States. Who cares.
I’m at freakin Mt. Everest, the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in my life.
On my way down my breath wasn’t nearly as labored, and I retreated back to my reflective self. For a while I’ve been wondering what my purpose was on this 6 month trip I was on. When people would ask me before I left, I’d usually come up with some half-believed statement about culture, adventure and experience. Even though what I said always made sense, it never seemed right. In honesty, my real purpose for doing this has always evaded me, and I figured that at some point the experience itself would reveal the purpose. Well it did, and the words came to me from seemingly nowhere.
The pursuit, appreciation and creation of that which holds unmistakable beauty.
This is a loaded purpose, one myself haven’t had the time to unravel. I don’t mind. In the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in my entire life, it simply appeared to me, and I’d be foolish to ignore it.
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