On a bucket list trip to Nepal some weeks back, I couldn’t
but take a few lessons from a simple walk in the park…. Sagarmatha National
Park….. that is.
Amazing to think that I was trekking through the Khumbu
Valley in the shadows of the Himalayas and the great one, Everest, just a few
days a go. The visions are
captured among the 1,200 plus digital pictures and the lasting impression of my
experience etched permanently in my heart, mind and soul as the Buddhist
prayers were etched on hundreds of ancient mani stones along the trail.
Before the grandeur of the 29,000 foot master, my take away
and lessons learned were quite simple. Here are but a few.
1 1.) Trust your feet.
a.
On steep terrain or slick, snow covered
boulders, take one step at a time and let your feet do the walking not your
mind.
b.
If you are not sure, trust your instincts. Don’t confuse reality with fear, worry and
over thinking.
2 2 .) You don’t have to be in front to lead.
a.
The best vantage point is often from behind as
others ahead might take the wrong path, tire out or loose their footing.
3 3.) Don’t be complacent or a yak will knock you
into the abyss.
a.
Keep vigilant even when you are lost in the
moment, relaxed or distracted.
Don’t loose sight of what is around you.
4 4.) If you need help, ask.
a.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but
one of strength and wisdom.
b.
After a very hard climb up Kala Patthar (18,200 ft) , I was
just exhausted. Knowing that the
descent on icy rocks would be harder, even dangerous, when fatigued, I asked our
Sherpa guide to help lead the way.
He was only glad to help. I made it back safely!
5 5.) Sing even if you don’t know the words.
a.
Express your joy in any way you can. Don’t be constrained by perfection or the lack of or even if someone doesn't like your singing!!
6 6.) Recognize beauty in every step.
a.
There is beauty in a snow covered mountain, an
orchid near the ground, a yak bell‘s rhythmic sound, eagles gliding overhead,
the bright colors of prayer flags flapping in the wind …. All are beautiful in
their own way. Don’t miss the
chance to see things in their authentic and simple beauty.
7 7.) Remember why you are here.
a.
It is so easy to forget the purpose of your
journey especially when difficulties arise.
b.
When you stop and remember why you have embarked
on such a trip and traveled half way around the world, clarity will come.
8 8.) Be in and enjoy every moment.
a.
This moment will never come again. All your senses are at attention only
at this moment. No picture or tale
will ever capture it again as it was so truly see it, breath it, smell it, feel
it and taste it. Savor every
second until it becomes part of who you are.
9 9.) Be humble and gracefully allow others to
pass.
a.
Sometimes ego gets in the way and we may not
want others to succeed. Letting
people pass does not diminish who you are and what you are setting out to
accomplish. Who knows … they may
remember your act and help later in your journey…possibly when you need it
most.
1 10.) Help
if another has a heavier load.
a.
Everyone has too heavy a load to bear at
times. When you see relief in
their eyes as you ease their burden, you know you have done a good thing.
1 11.) If
you fall, figure out why and do what you can to not fall again.
a.
Falling several times in one day, one would
think I would have learned a lesson. It took our lead guide to remind me to use my trekking
poles that were safely strapped on my day pack. It was simply amazing that I never fell again after heeding
his advice.
1 12.) Even
the weak are stronger then you are.
a.
It is humbling to see a young Sherpa boy, half
my size in flip flops carry five times the load I was carrying over narrow,
bolder strewn trails. This mental
and physical toughness was witnessed over and over again. I never felt so weak in my life.
1 13.) No
matter how fast you go, the end is the same.
a.
Each day of the trek, there was a start and a
finish. It didn’t matter what
day. Some might have been longer
but always a start and a finish.
It was amazing to me that when I was lagging behind, “smelling the
roses”, I always reached the camp soon after those who hurried to get there. Go figure.
1 14.) The
journey of exploration is often more satisfying then reaching the summit
a.
Read the wonderful poem, “Ithaka”, by Constantine P. Cavafy and
you will understand.
1 15.) A
smile is welcoming in any language.
a.
Not much more to say then a sincere and warm
smile opens many doors in any culture.
1 16.) It is
good to remember those you love and those you lost.
a.
As I experienced all the marvels of my trip, I
often wanted to share what I have experienced with those I love. I also wished those that I lost would
be there too with me. The joy and
wonder I felt wasn’t just for me but for all those who made me and enabled me
along the way.
I think sixteen lessons learned are
enough except for one final ….. Sherpas rule!!!
Namaste!!
