EXULTATION

I am crazy about Mountains and the mysteries it carries within, whether big or small, it's magnificence has the same effect on me. It's not just a stunning image but the depth of it's struggle is very mesmerizing. I struggle with words when it comes to explaining nature, in it's true sense. I have always been a seeking soul, most of us are if we tune in a little bit and distract the distraction. Growing up I was always driven by an unexplained urge to challenge the parameters of my small world. I remember growing up in Tanzania, whenever I visited my Uncle, I used to get mesmerized by the magnificent Mt Kilimanjaro. Every morning, I would step out in the front yard and watch the mountain for few minutes. It's silence was always enigmatic and yet I knew it's watching me. It's mere existence is enough to make your life worthwhile. They have been healing and a calling for me. Everest being, the top of the list, is my obsession. Sitting thousands of miles away, I can feel it's stories. Mt Everest, has been on my mind for many years now, and I have been lucky to know people who live right underneath it, and their stories have kept me restless at night. The universe of humans sometimes seem menacing, full of conflicts and war and drama, which are likely to affect my well being even though I feel like I got nothing to do with it, that's when I surrender to nature to get back on track, and the simplicity of mountains have always succeeded. The meaning of mountaineering and hiking changed when I hiked the mountainous, sub tropical rainforest El Yunque, the trail to the summit of El Yunque Peak (3,496 feet above sea level). The El Yunque Trailhead begins at an elevation of 2,047 feet and climbs to the summit at 3,496 feet for an elevation gain of 1,449. I didn't target for the summit but the climb itself was exhilarating. We set out for the hike at 9:00am, immersed in the sensory experience provided by the sights, sounds, and scents of the rainforest. Coquis, a highly vocal, tree frog, could be heard producing it's famous sound. It was not just an excursion for me, but an Intentional plan. I knew the minute I step my foot on the grounds of the mountainous path, I will start tuning into myself. And I am not a chatty gal, when I am hiking. It's not about words and sound all the time. It's the silence in the process that makes a difference. I personally get a little bit annoyed when I hear people chat-chat-chat while immersed in the depths of nature, it gets annoying when I realize we as humans have enough hours, days, and years left to talk, so shut up for the moment and feel it.  I have found a meaning in everything I do in my life, and when the meaning doesn't exist neither does the option. Everything in the universe is moving in accordance, we are connected to everything that lives and breathes with us, and when you tune in, you will see and feel the immense power of our reason for existence. And my reason and choice of life has everything to do with the depths of human adventures. I practice my life in accordance to what's Ignored by many and in doing so, it has shaped me to a strong minded, disciplined and imaginative personality. My search brought me to see myself apart from an average girl. I practice my religion on the heights of nature's ecstasy. Like the saying goes " Mountains are my cathedrals, where I practice my religion."

Here is the collage of my captures. And still more to go....