Integral Spirituality and Practices
Alan finds a sense of being.
Alan stood overlooking three natural lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. From his elevated position, he could see for miles with crystal vision.
Already well into a multi-day backpacking trip, his mind was quiet, reflective, and free of the obligations that his profession and previous decisions had laid upon him.
Somewhere nearby, his hiking companions minded their own time and energies.
He was alone in his personal wilderness of being.
Enabled by Solitude to Gain Clarity
Alan gave voice to the quieter mind this solitude enabled.
He made his not-so-silent profession above the three lakes, beneath the clear azure sky, and upon the rock-solid foundation to which his wanderings had brought him.
In this moment of clarity, he knew with deep assurance that his life was his own to share and withhold as he desired.
Resolved to Journey Along a New Path
Alan spoke into existence a resolve to go forward and upward with his life. He reckoned a new path forward in those moments, as surely as if he were imagining a route up Everest or Denali.
His sincere words, in those moments, permanently sealed his commitment to an individual destiny apart from what he thought his family and friends might wish for him.
He knew in profound ways that his life’s path and purpose would be groomed out of these very commitments.
Guide to Integral Spirituality and Practices
As an experienced mountain guide and trainer, I learned techniques, habits, and preparations from older, more experienced guides.
What I learned and discovered enabled me to prosper in wilderness terrain and to lead others safely to encounter the beauty and wildness of our natural world, while anticipating and ameliorating dangers that often arise.
Pathfinding in a Modern World
Many people in our modern world cannot consider what might guide them along their path.
They live valuable domestic existences and aren’t inclined to reckon with the what-ifs of their roads-not-taken. They may have grown up in a family that emphasized a path involving studying in school, performing in a job, having a family, and relaxing two weeks out of the year.
As a result, spiritual impulses remain hidden amidst responsibilities and learned behaviors.
Getting-by becomes a self-sustaining prophecy.
You’ve breached the boundary onto a private wildlife preserve.
If you’re reading these passages with more than a passing interest, sometimes, circumstances remove us from the norm.
Sometimes, like Alan, the voice from within is given serious consideration, and we choose to respond with curiosity, then determination, and finally a sense of larger purpose.
Time for exploring beyond the boundaries.
In my work, I am a mentor for the real experience of escaping domesticity and exploring these wilder, more natural and life-sustaining inner scapes that make us fully human.
Maps and models exist that describe this terrain; however, they are only maps and models and shouldn’t be confused with the boots-on-the-ground territory.
Reading about rappelling off a 125-foot rock face doesn’t capture the terror of backing off into emptiness with only trust for your guide and the rope to sustain you.
If you’re still reading this, you’re probably ready to step off what seems solid and discover what is exhilarating and life-giving.
Let’s talk! Call me at 1 (816) 226-6435.