Three Steps Forward...

...Two Steps Backward.  This was the mantra as I attempted the nearly 18,000ft summit of Popocatepetl in the early 1990's before the volcano reactivated and became off-limits to climbing. 

After flying in from sea level to Mexico City (where we had a tense encounter with the corrupt "Policia" just as we departed the airport), we were on the great black ash heap that is the lower part of the climb within 24hours of arrival on our way to a small hut located at about 15,000ft. 

"Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back, Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back", "Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back" was the drumbeat pounding in my head until we arrived at the hut just before sundown.  After a sleepless, fitful night filled with headache and nausea, we decided to descend at sunrise.  "Scree-skiing" down the ash heap was a much more enjoyable experience.

And so it is with our professional, personal, and spiritual lives.  There are metaphorical mountains to climb, and along the way it feels like we take three steps forward only to slide back two steps.  Furthermore, despite our best intentions, desires, and efforts to achieve a particular summit or goal, we frequently fail.  The most important question to ask at these times is: "what did I learn?"
   
In the case of my unsuccessful attempt on Popocatepetl, even though I had achieved the highest elevation in my early climbing days, my body was not ready to go farther.  I learned that prior to proceeding to altitudes over 12,000ft my body needs more time to acclimate.  Then, as now, I am reminded of the Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood) quote from the 1973 film Magnum Force: "A man's got to know his limitations."  

Thankfully, after spending more time in and around the volcanoes near Mexico City, we achieved the summit of Pico De Orizaba (approximately 18,500ft) a few days later in a memorable ascent with a few good friends. 

So, I ask: what are you learning about your own limitations?

The Mountain Perspective

Mountains are sacred places.  In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is the dwelling place of the gods.  In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Mount Sinai is the place where Moses encountered God and received his commandments.


The nature of mountains is elemental.  Earth (rocks), water (glaciers and streams), air (wind), and fire (lightning).  During the day, as the sun crosses the sky, the mountain sits.  Light, colors, shadows change moment to moment, and yet the mountain stays.  Clouds, fog, wind, rain, and snow may swirl around the massive peak; and when all is clear, there is the mountain.

On its surface, glaciers move, snow fields form and dissipate, boulders break loose from the freeze and thaw cycle.  At its base, streams and rivers flow.  And yet, through it all, the mountain is.

As we lead our lives, what is possible if we adopt the "mountain perspective"?  Can we embody the fortitude of the mountain in the face of everything that changes in our environment?  What is possible if we adopt the strength and stability of the mountain as the turbulence of our day-to-day existence attempts to push us this way and that?

What's Your Mission?

In the 1980 film The Blues Brothers Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) asserts several times that he and his brother Jake (John Belushi) are "on a mission from God".

The phrase refers to Elwood and Jake's quest to get their band back together in order to raise the $5k necessary to save the Catholic home where the boys were raised.  Being on a mission from God also reminds us that the boys realize their quest is bigger than the the two of them and the band.

This modern comedy is a favorite of mine as a story of redemption blended with blues music.  It also reminds me of my current "mission from God" which is to work with non-profit fundraising leaders so that they may more effectively lead their teams and raise more money for their organizations.

In life we often get mired in what Stephen Covey referred to as "the thick of thin things".  Having a mission, purpose, or destiny can be helpful in keeping clear of such muddy swamps.

So, what's your mission?

Hope

I was recently reminded by a colleague of the heartfelt final scene of 1994 film Shawshank Redemption in which Red, after having been released from prison, is on his way to see his friend Andy in Zihuatanejo, Mexico (A place I coincidentally visited in the 1990's).

Red had chastised Andy earlier in the film for being hopeful about an eventual release indicating that: "Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane."

As he rides the bus southward, Red now reflects to himself:

"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dream. I hope."

As I start out on my own journey with an uncertain conclusion, I share Red's excitement and anticipation.  And like Red, I hope I can make it.

So, what in your own life are you hopeful for?