July 03, 2012

Top 10 Things I Learned on Hermitage

10.  The desert in July with no air conditioning is hot.  Use the stove early or late in the day.  Keep the shades pulled and wear little clothes the rest of the day.

9.  While I have never seen a bear or a mountain lion while I am out hiking, I am afraid to cross one. 

8.  I can count from 1 to 100 and back in Spanish pretty proficiently when I run out of other things about which to talk to myself when I want to make noise and share my presence with said bears and mountain lions.

7.  People's remembrances of mountain hikes (i.e. lengths and level of difficulty) are not always accurate.  Consult a topographic map before setting out lest one hike farther than expected or intended.

6.  Cell phones do often work high on a mountain, especially above timber line.  And the sound of a cell phone ringing after lengths of silence and at 13,000 feet is very disorienting.

5.  Do one thing at a time.  Food tastes better when I actually take the time to appreciate and enjoy each bite.

4.  Everyone has a unique role to play in this amazing Divine Plan of creation.  I am excited about the part that I play now in teaching and in my role as a new Sister of St. Joseph at this time in the history of religious life.  And I am excited about and open to other connections and challenges to come, grateful that I do nothing alone (even when I'm on a hermitage).

3.  When in doubt, take another nap.

2.  Some things can only be heard in silence--the fullness of onions being chopped, God's whisperings, my heart's response.

1.  As much as I enjoy and need solitude sometimes, I love and need the people in my life.  As independent as I am, I am stronger, smarter, and more compassionate in relationship.

Hermitage ends tomorrow. I am taking many gifts with me.

Looking down through Comanche Pass, Sange de Christo Mountains.  And, yes, that white stuff is snow.

Lots of wildflowers and butterflies on the long hike.

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful. Love the opportunity to share the journey - so real - I can picture it all. --Amy

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