Just a Walk in the Park

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!!