Why Do You Climb Mountains?

'If you have to ask the reason why, then you will not understand the answer…'

The first is out of curiosity, the second is to cure boredom, for the third it’s because your mind and body is craving for it. More than meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors and even gaining personal growth what really drives someone like me in climbing mountains? They say mountains are special, I guess because they are beautiful and at the same time perilous. Yes, they’re truly a sight to behold. All time and effort you exert in this very strenuous activity will all be worth it once you reach the summit. The reward is satisfying that you actually wouldn’t mind the long trek to the top because once you’re there you’ll be forever fascinated by the majestic view. Suddenly, you’ll forget how tired you are due to the long hours of walking amidst obstacles and other glitches along the way. You don’t have time to complain but just marvel at the scenery before your eyes and it will not take long before you start capturing every moment in every angle possible using your photo capturing device. Mountains are natural wonders worthy to be appreciated and protected. They’re amazing gift from our Creator. On your next climb try not to look at the whole mountain but rather take it one piece at a time. Try to appreciate the little things we encounter along the way. Be it the trees, grass and insects that we see, the people we meet along the way, the never ending path that seems to lead nowhere, the huge rocks that sometimes block our way, and the scorching sun or pouring rain that hinder us from our main goal. If ever we feel exhausted along our journey, just stop and take a rest to feel the warmth the mountain graciously provided us. Make it five or ten minutes break. Just take your time because this is no competition. Reaching the summit first before your companions doesn’t make you the best climber. I would rather be the last one who arrived there if what entails in that distinction is the handful of good memories I’ve made along the way. The challenges you’ve overcome, the experiences and lessons you’ve learned, the sound of laughter you’ve made, and the friends you’ve met and acquainted are the best memories in every climb.

On the other side, beyond the beauty and fulfillment of climbing mountains is the inevitable danger attached to it. Maybe this is the reason why others veer away from pursuing this hobby. Be reminded of the adage ‘Better safe than sorry’. Personally, I’m always cautious when trekking even on seemingly easy trails. I don’t mind being with the sweeper in every climb. I don’t care even if I’m the last person in the group, because more than anything I value my safety. Somehow, practicing this safety precaution made me realize something. Being part of the sweepers, I was rewarded with silence and the opportunity to appreciate my surroundings, the mountain. You say you climb mountain for years but do you know what kind of flora and fauna are there in every mountain you have been? Did you ever stop on your way to the summit and look at the trees, hugged and thanked them for protecting you against the elements? And did you happen to ask the name of your guide and have your picture taken with him? Sometimes, as in life, we overlooked the simple things. Maybe because of the overflowing adrenaline that’s why we simply can’t wait to reach the summit, or maybe we are just rushing things because we have to strictly follow certain itineraries. But why rush things? Why trade it with the opportunity to enjoy and have fun? In climbing mountains, time is not your enemy but the lack of preparation. 

Climbing mountains can be good for our mental, physical and even emotional health. It is a journey where opportunities for self improvement is abound. Consider everyday or every climb we make as a new challenge to overcome and new memories to make. Anyone can take that first step to hike by just saving a little time and peso. There are thousands of mountains out there waiting for us. And if ever you’ve finally decided to take the challenge and make your first climb always remember that to reach the top we just need to have the determination to follow our dreams, discipline to be responsible in anything we do, courage to fight and stand after every fall, and compassion to love the Earth, especially its inhabitants.