Solid and strong, they stand through every element as both immovable in stature and beautiful in nature. Their form is as everlasting as their existence is inescapable. Rugged their outer layer may be, boundless value and sanctuary exist deep within. They carry no taunts, nor do they know any threats. Having no superior but the sky itself, they find their gaze to be above all else. However, despite such overwhelming aura, should they find a way to communicate but one question, they might ask without speaking: I am what I am, but do you know what you are? Mountains, the presiding titans over the vast layouts of our earth, have served as paragons of peak potential and ambition since the beginning of our kind. Their existence has inspired not only desire to conquer the higher planes we find within ourselves and our lands, but also the need to discern what can be learned from witnessing the mountains with our own eyes, and feeling their unrelenting stature that we've been able to integrate into our own spirit and example since challenge first presented itself. Naturally we feel drawn to them, and wish to acquire all we can. This is no coincidence; as fellow creation equipped with deep discernment and thinking ability, we are urged to glean from them more than what simply meets the eye. What all does this encompass, and how can we ensure our perspective remains clear?
The mountains do not change shape because their structure is solid, nor do they crumble from the elements, as their position is immovable. When we consider any mountain, we do not recall them as something that is easily broken, nor do we acknowledge them as formations from the earth that ever compromise their placement. No, they hold the ground that they have resided on since the earth's beginning, claiming it without fail. Consider your own feet, where you currently stand in life. Do you hold your own ground, fully aware that your choices have been your own? When the place which you stand is questioned, or perhaps even threatened, do your position, posture and gaze remain immovable like these mountains demonstrate? It is simply a matter of choice, one which is often made overcomplicated and clouded by external voices and comparisons. When the consciousness of the situation is realized, you become aware that your position is your own, and there are no real forces that can alter it unless one allows it! The mountains do not yield to the winds, nor do they fall to pieces from the rain or snow. They know countless contenders, yet not one true challenger that possesses the might or will to move them from their home. Are we like these mountains we admire from afar? Recognize that just like them, we have no reason to change our footing for anyone or anything no matter how they feel we should, nor do we have to answer any challenge presented that offers no real gain. Stand firm and immovable, and you will find yourself surprised just how liberated you are in relation to the earth itself.
The mountains do not fade, as their beauty is everlasting. Forests can burn, glaciers can melt, even the sky itself can become polluted from unnatural causes. Though when we consider mountains in any region of the earth, when have any of them ever faded away or been stripped of their natural glory? As literal stone titans which protrude straight out from the earth itself, their placement has served as an eternal symbol of grandeur and admiration from among our oldest ancestors to this very day. However as humans, our symbolism is a bit more complex. There is a great number who have represented the human race with traits such as ambition and benevolence, as there is also a great number of us who have embodied the opposite of these virtues; the concern is which side can and will outlast the other. What can determine this? If one is able to take heed and inspiration from what our mountains display, it's only natural that we will become like that which nature is trying to instill within us, both on our tangible and intangible side. We work hard to attain a physical form that is carved from discipline, consistency, hearty nutrition, conviction, and well-earned rest. This is never by accident but by choice and action, reaping absolute resolve, power, and inner peace of mind. From internal conquest one becomes an example among the crowd, like the mountain, displaying solid and lasting form, strength, and beauty. In turn, qualities are manifested through their attitude, level of confidence, posture, and emotions. We become able to discern when to be silent and when to be outspoken. Through this robust self-development then will our example become a paragon of eternal, mountain-like beauty.
The mountains' exterior may present themselves as rugged and ancient, but boundless value and sanctuary are what we find within the natural structures. They are not as treacherous as deep waters or barren deserts, but a refuge, a resting place for those in deep travel or distress. They are not a threat, but a powerful ally in time of need. Do we emulate the mountain in this way? Surely we all find ourselves at one time or another feeling like we have nothing to give to our loved ones, as though when they need us most we are completely without wisdom, experience or a helping hand. Be that as it may, we are not without support. Like a mountain here, realize that perhaps the minimum we can do is simply be present for them, even if all we find ourselves able to do is listen. This will display strong consideration and value that one holds for the other, remaining everlasting and compassionate. Aside from striving to embody a place of sanctuary, such an endeavor goes hand in hand with being one who does not seek out or incite conflict. While easier said than done at times on our part, when have our monolithic teachers ever been found on the offensive, perhaps deciding to retaliate against a violent rain or windstorm? This would be an impossible scenario. As the mountains do, let us possess no reason to provoke, attack or be easily offended, but rather find ourselves unbothered and without contempt for those who stand shorter than the mountains do.
This exploration of awe-inspiring attributes and ideals covers only a handful of that which the earth's mountains can teach and encourage us to embody rather than simply admire with our eyes and phones. We see now that we can go beyond the surface-level coexistence with our planet, and use our senses to both listen and pay attention to what all of our fellow natural creation has to communicate and equip to our being and experiences. Yes, we may live short lives with limited time and energy to spare, but let us wake up from our self-imposed daydreams and shackles! Let us allow our spirits to resonate with the eternity of the mountains, always acknowledging the reality that our creator gifted us with choice: choice that can be used to remain wholeheartedly solid, immovable, beautiful, approachable and everlasting from now onward.
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