“I was battered and bruised by something that does not move.  A mountain of epic proportions.  In my mind.  And out in the world,” this sentence comes into my head as my footfalls tap the asphalt in a drumming cadence.  I run this morning, cradled by the gentle light of dawn, and see that my bruises are healing and I am ready to celebrate.  This is good timing, given I have invited many folks out to the INCO theatre to celebrate with me.  I am eager to share some of the stories and the pictures of one of the most incredible places I have had the privilege to visit.

It’s been a week of finishing.  I handed the last chapter of my Everest book to the editor and I wait on the edge of an ice pinnacle for his response and feedback.  I saw the mock-up of the book cover and suddenly, the book seemed real as opposed to a date I had every morning.  I’ve placed a semi-colon at the end of the sentence of renovations.  I want to pause and catch my breath but there are still related projects to follow.

A bright red door taught me the beauty of letting go into radical acceptance of imperfection.  I fell in love with the Buddhist path all over again.  By doing nothing.  For hours on end.  I’m enveloped in “sad joy,” the tender hearted sadness of noticing and accepting that everything and everyone, including me is impermanent.  I go slow.  For me.  For I am still in recovery from the mountain.  And constantly remind myself that there is no need for urgency.  That there is time and that there is strength.  Plenty leftover for the next climb.  A volcano this time.  A volcano with a beautiful name.  

Ojos de Salado.  Eyes of the spirit.  An invitation to look.  To see.  To observe.  My spirit.  The spirit.  All spirits.  Climbing at altitude often stripes life to its bare essentials.  Walk.  Sleep.  Eat.  Walk more.  Sleep more.  Eat more.  There is little escape from oneself, just demand to stay with each footstep as it takes me higher.  So, I’m off again in eight or so short weeks to northern Chile for a date with my spirit and the world’s tallest volcano.  I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

See many of you tonight and I know the rest of you will be there with me in spirit.

Take good care,

TA

INCO Innovation Center Theatre
MUN Campus
7:00 pm
September 23 (tonight)