InnerSelf.com

Mind Over
Mountain

by Sandra Miniere, M.Ed.

When I moved to California two months ago, I was physically unfit for strenuous exercise. My legs were weak; my chronic asthma debilitating. In spite of this, I took on the challenge of hiking a nearby 2,500 foot mountain, Mission Peak. The objective was to improve this fragile state of health and strengthen my body.

The first time hiking I was in significant physical distress just walking uphill as I left the parking area. Resting briefly, I recovered and continued. After 45 minutes of hiking, I decided it would take me five months to reach the peak.

I created a training schedule in which I would hike at least one hour three times a week. By the third time on the trail I was making progress, but it was slow and arduous. I heard an inner voice say, "Let your mind take you there."

Feel it and you will get there

I began imagining a string at the top of my head connected to the top of the mountain. The peak was pulling me to it. I also imagined myself standing on the summit.

On the fourth climb, my body felt so heavy that I didn't know how I could pass the previous day's mark. I got the idea to focus on the affirmation, "I am light as a feather". I surpassed my marker that day and got a close look at the peak. I thought, "I know I can get there easily". I set five weeks as a goal.

As I began hiking the first day of the fifth week, I was mesmerized by the peak. I could feel the mountain calling me. Instead of looking down at the ground in front of me, I kept looking up. By the end of the week I accomplished the goal effortlessly.

Reaching the Goal

The day I reached the summit I set out only to surpass the half-way mark I had reached four times. A quarter of the way up the trail I had to use asthma medication. I let go of the need to accomplish any goal. I decided to continue climbing as long as my body would allow. I didn't think about the two hours it would take to reach the top.

Suddenly I was three-quarters of the way to the goal. The awareness hit me, "I am going to the top." It felt right. It felt effortless. Even the sporadic gusts of cool mist and rain couldn't stop me. The mission took over and lifted me to the zenith of Mission Peak.

After three hours of hiking, the last hour in cold rain, I was back at my car. Drenched to the skin with fingers too numb to untie muddy shoes, I had a smile on my face. Returning home I felt exuberant with energy and breath to spare. Life felt magical.

Open to Possibilities

Reflecting on these past five weeks, I realize I did all I could to prepare my body for the climb; however, something greater than my physical body empowered me. Achieving the goal occurred one step at a time. I released my expectations and remained open to possibilities.

The experience confirmed to me that we are connected to an invisible resource that is working with us to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. The unlimited potential of the mind and power within the present moment are amazing.

My body, mind, and the mountain were one that day. I thanked the mountain, cows, birds, and nature because they wanted me to get there. We all participated in this peak experience.

Recommended book:

Acu-Yoga : Self-Help Techniques to Relieve Tension by Michael Reed Gach with Carolyn Marco.

Info/Order this book

About The Author

Sandra Miniere is a licensed counselor, personal empowerment coach, and mind-body intuitive. She integrates the best of traditional and complementary approaches to mental and emotional health. She has been on her journey of personal transformation for 25 years and is an expert in the body-mind-spirit connection. For 20 years she has served her clients with an integrated approach to healing. A compassionate specialist in self-realization and empowerment, she facilitates change within a short-term, individualized approach toward symptom elimination, recovery, and healing. Visit her at www.healingconsult.com and www.co-creativecoach.com.

Share this article