I have to admit I don't fully understand some of these choices around physical limitations- like why does it have to be an unplanned 14 mile hike or mt summit in the snow vs staying in bed all weekend- surely it's possible to split the difference and still experience wonder, struggle, strength, awe, without risking injury quite so much? But that's why I don't have a fun and thrilling newsletter pondering existential quandaries in uncommonly experienced situations and you do. So I thank you for that. But I think I would also love to read your writing even if it was just about a normal low key hike with adequate snacks and things.
You make a valid point, and yes, this is an aspect of myself that I have been wrestling with. Do I even need so-called adventure to heighten my senses and experience the awe and wonder of life? The pursuit of difficult-to-reach places and physical challenges have so long been a part of who I am that I can’t imagine how to exist without them. But as I grapple with current limitations and the likelihood of more in the future, I have been trying to visualize such a life.
Yet I also recognize that when I push my perceived limitations and succeed, I feel a powerful sense of meaning and reward. When I fail, I am humbled and edified. Either way, I’ve had a purposeful experience that I value. But yes, there’s a balance in there that I am still searching for.
I struggle with getting up and getting out, but it’s always worth it when I do. Your friend’s experience is humbling. How easy it is to forget that every day is a gift, and beauty is everywhere when we open our eyes to it.
Stunning photos...and a message for ALL of us to, in spite of our illnesses, disabilities and quality of life, to not forget to appreciate that our hearts are still beating. "It could be worse" is one of my favorite aphorisms.
Mark, in Lovely Ouray where I was inspired by your post to take a long bike ride through Ms Autumn's splendor.
I have to admit I don't fully understand some of these choices around physical limitations- like why does it have to be an unplanned 14 mile hike or mt summit in the snow vs staying in bed all weekend- surely it's possible to split the difference and still experience wonder, struggle, strength, awe, without risking injury quite so much? But that's why I don't have a fun and thrilling newsletter pondering existential quandaries in uncommonly experienced situations and you do. So I thank you for that. But I think I would also love to read your writing even if it was just about a normal low key hike with adequate snacks and things.
You make a valid point, and yes, this is an aspect of myself that I have been wrestling with. Do I even need so-called adventure to heighten my senses and experience the awe and wonder of life? The pursuit of difficult-to-reach places and physical challenges have so long been a part of who I am that I can’t imagine how to exist without them. But as I grapple with current limitations and the likelihood of more in the future, I have been trying to visualize such a life.
Yet I also recognize that when I push my perceived limitations and succeed, I feel a powerful sense of meaning and reward. When I fail, I am humbled and edified. Either way, I’ve had a purposeful experience that I value. But yes, there’s a balance in there that I am still searching for.
I struggle with getting up and getting out, but it’s always worth it when I do. Your friend’s experience is humbling. How easy it is to forget that every day is a gift, and beauty is everywhere when we open our eyes to it.
Stunning photos...and a message for ALL of us to, in spite of our illnesses, disabilities and quality of life, to not forget to appreciate that our hearts are still beating. "It could be worse" is one of my favorite aphorisms.
Mark, in Lovely Ouray where I was inspired by your post to take a long bike ride through Ms Autumn's splendor.