Growth

“We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.” ~ Anaïs Nin

Don't blow it

"This is your chance. This little, short human life that you have is your opportunity. Don't blow it."

~Pema Chödrön

Mt. Audubon - 7/20/2014

Mt. Audubon (13,229 ft) is one of my favorite peaks to climb and I often make it my first peak of the season. It's good preparation for more difficult climbs. I've always accessed it through Brainard Lakes Recreation Area, just outside of Ward, Colorado and just off the Peak-to-Peak Highway (119). I've seen amazing wildlife here and every visit to Brainard is an adventure. This area and the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness touches and holds a very special place within my heart, body and soul - for reasons both known and completely unknown.  I never leave without seeing abundant wildlife, wildflowers, breathtaking views and amazing photo ops. The trek up was great, although quite windy, which is to be expected. Midnight was a little trooper and is a natural at climbing the peaks. It's as if he knows there's a destination and he wants to get there as quickly as possible. It's amazing where our feet and bodies can take us and I'm forever grateful that I have the ability to hike to the tops of mountains and experience the amazing views. I live for it. To hike through the alpine region is one of my favorite things to do, there is no other place like it on earth...so delicate and yet so hardy....stunning, magical and unforgiving... 

There she is - the view from where we started

About half way

Couldn't resist the wildflowers

Slowly scrambling up to the top

Made it - a little hazy from the wildfires out west

Can you find Midnight?

A little alpine tundra in the foreground

Marmot

I have an obsession with small alpine streams

Makes my heart sing...

...and sing

Nice views on the way down

I can never get enough of views like this

I've hiked this trail many times, but it takes my breath away every time

Truly one of the most beautiful places created on earth

Messenger Oracle card of the day - be without malice

"You have been hurt, disrespected or disappointed by others. Another has let you down or betrayed you. It is normal and natural to experience feelings of anger, hurt and disappointment. To feel any and all emotion is natural, but you have a choice always in how you respond. Do not allow your hurt to become a source of infection. Acknowledge it. Learn from it and your experiences, and then let the anger, hurt and disappointment go. Do not allow them to inspire retaliatory acts born of malice or spite."

Messenger Oracle card of the day - nourish the soul

It is so important to nourish the soul while living in today's busy and technological world. There are so many things that distract us from the deeper parts of ourselves and of others. These distractions preoccupy our thoughts and behaviors, and it is easy to forget to nourish ourselves on all levels. 

"Drink in life. Use your senses to explore your world - to see, touch, taste, smell, hear and experience all that is within and around you. Your journey through life is meant to be a sensory experience. Your life is meant to be a rainbow of colour, full of motion and sound. It is not meant to be a bland, tasteless existence of simply black and white. Be sensual. Explore yourself and your world every day and nourish your soul with every moment." 

Messenger Oracle card of the day - do not fear the unknown

Fear of the unknown can make us question and judge. The ugly is not always bad and evil, and the beautiful not always good and just. Do not let fear of an unknown outcome hold you prisoner. "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anais Nin

Messenger Oracle card of the day - hear the ancient ones

The indigenous way of life holds a wisdom and way of being that has been largely lost in our modern technological society. We do not have to revert back to a primitive way of living to incorporate the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors into our daily lives. The ways of the indigenous are a part of the collective unconscious, and therefore, buried within each of us. Accessing it can help us live in harmony with the earth and help us tap into a deeper level of consciousness and awareness. It is through the knowledge, spirit and determination of the ancient ones that we are here today. 

"The indigenous peoples of the world are those who have lived in harmony with the land for countless generations. Among them are the elders whose knowledge and wisdom can teach us of our relationship with nature, of living a life of empathetic awareness, and to better understand our role as caretakers of the earth. They can teach us the wisdom of taking only what we need, of wasting little, and of honouring all sacrifices made so that you may live and grow. Hear the wisdom of the Ancient Ones; learn from their knowledge, love and traditions." 

Messenger Oracle card of the day - know your power

We all hold a tremendous amount of power. It's important to think about how we are using it. It can be used in ways that bring positivity to our lives and those of others, and also to bring negativity. 

"You have choice in all things. Your power is born of that freedom to choose, but with freedom comes the burden of responsibility. To know your power you must accept responsibility for your part in all you experience even when you allow another to impose their choice or will upon you. You have the power to choose if you wear a saddle or bridle, or if another will ride upon your back. Own your power. Know it and see it in all of your choices and actions."

Messenger Oracle card of the day - see the truth

Sometimes we do not see the truth because it does not fit our view, hopes or desires. It is a good practice to work on objectively seeing the truth and listening to our own intuition.

"Do not be deceived. Be watchful and mindful of the illusions others weave around themselves, and that you may weave around yourself. Know the night. Understand the shadows. See through the darkness to the light of truth. Pay attention to contradictions. Notice when actions and words are not in harmony. Hone your intuition and insight so that you may know the minds and hearts of those around you - and yourself - and trust in the wisdom born of that awareness." 

Tea Tag - July 6th