The Patagonia, in South America.
Recently I have been reading a bit about mountaineering. I used to climb mountains at one time, nothing major, just the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Unfortunately after a recent injury mountain climbing is not something I can really do again. I do however retain a deep love for the power and beauty of mountains. There is something truly mystical about a mountain. A lot of great peaks of the world, like Everest, are actually worshiped as gods by the local cultures. And it is no wonder: a mountain is something that is magnificent, foreboding and terrifyingly alluring. We are nothing, so puny, in comparison to these gigantic structures of rock, ice and snow. Like the ocean, mountains seem to possess their own power; they are approached at great peril, and are constantly reminding us of our own weakness and dependence upon the benevolence of nature or God. When we see the top of a mountain slightly hidden in a swirl of clouds or mist, it is hard not to think of divine things. The austere, grand beauty of such creations can truly touch the soul, and bring us a greater harmony not only with nature, but with God.
More of the Patagonia, stunningly beautiful and magnificent.
Yeah, mountains rock. The photos above are from a most stunning range of mountains, the Patagonia in South America. I never seen it in person, but after seeing this photo, I would most certainly love to! It is truly magnificent, a wonder of God’s good and grand creation.
Butterfly Flower said:
Unfortunately after a recent injury mountain climbing is not something I can really do again. I do however retain a deep love for the power and beauty of mountains.
Dawwwwh I just wanna hug you! Don’t take this the wrong way, but the post-injury you triggers my maternal drive.
Concerning mountains:
East Asian culture has a deep reverence for mountains. It existed in earlier Western culture, as well.
Racer X said:
Haha…Don’t worry Butterfly, you can hug me all you want!
And yes, it is nice that a lot of East Asian cultures have a deep reverence for mountains. As you said, Western culture had that too at one time. It still does in a way, but not so much in a religious way.
Lena S. said:
Here is a song about mountain climber Rob Hall, who died on Everest in 1996. A comment from Dave Hawkes on YouTube says this, referring to the ‘mother’ referenced in the song: Everest Is known by the Nepalese as Sargamatha “Mother Goddess” and in Tibet as “Chomolungma” or “Goddess mother of earth” perhaps Everest herself is the mother waiting to enclose us in her billowy arms? This would certainly suit Rob Hall.
Racer X said:
Lena,
Thanks for that video. I was actually thinking about writing a post on the whole Mt. Everest debacle of 1996, since I just finished reading Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. I find the whole guided expedition industry of Everest rather disturbing. It shows disrespect for the power of these mountains.
Lena S. said:
It’s funny, I’ve been listening to that song for years and didn’t know that’s what it was about. I took the whole thing metaphorically and thought it was about Neil Finn’s own mother, who had died at some point before he recorded the album that song is on. Perhaps there is some of that in there too though, who knows.
Now I find it almost difficult to listen to knowing what it’s about. I guess I’m not made to be a performer, because I think I would have a hard time singing songs like that without choking up and bursting into tears.
But don’t tell anyone; it would ruin my reputation for having no feelings. I agree that the guided expedition industry is a bit disturbing. Climbing a mountain like Everest isn’t fun and games.
Racer X said:
Lena S.,
“I think I would have a hard time singing songs like that without choking up and bursting into tears…But don’t tell anyone; it would ruin my reputation for having no feelings.”
Don’t worry, I will do my best to uphold your reputation as a cold hearted bitch! haha…