That one time I busted my knee
I busted my knee because I did not think and had just started to run. Down the mountain I went at fifteen years old while on a hike with a friend. We were at the cusp of completing a 2.6 mile that had taken us up and down Camelback Mountain. My legs were toast and I had righteously climbed it. So, I was ready to be done. However to my surprise, I had thought this was where the downhill tapered out, but the slope was still steep and because of heavy use had smoothened out. Even a railing had been placed in the middle to assist with the climb up and down.
But a las, my thoughts were running. My legs hurt. I am bored. Get me out of here. Oh look! There is our way out! So, with that, my legs mirrored the same. Before long, my friend let out a cry, “Patty, what are you doing?!” Once, I saw the railing, I knew my mind had led me astray. I was caught in the expectation to mimic mid-air cat-like reflexes. Gratefully, with my serendipitous athleticism, I hurled my body with a large ninja jump to a chain-link fence along the side of the slope to buffer what could have been a more tremendous fall. Clenching the fence, my left foot swung to make a clear landing while my right leg knocked more ruggedly against the unforgiving rock. Skin scraped white and red and pink began to color my knee. All of this because I had not thought and just started to run. My friend came swiftly down to check up on me.
Years later, I am sitting in my Airstream on the couch. My mind is boggled with my breathing slow yet hot. The presence within my body carried an illusive undertone. Was I really here? More specifically, was I actually aware to how I was feeling and doing or not? The uncertainty to my own question stirred a very blank stare. Similar to Camelback Mountain and many other metaphorical mountains I had climbed before, I had found myself in discomfort. But, instead of taking the steps to witness and grow from the process, I had formulated quick ways of thinking, so I could (in theory mentally) run.
A Camelback Mountain awareness fall all over again and the scar on my knee pinged how unnecessary it was to play with my own mind games. Smart minds will also play smart with their very clever fixes that will only keep you in a game! Allowing things to happen one step a time and being honest with how it feels will carry the strength you need for each next step. Nothing else to project or think about until it is right where you are. The mountains I climb are not always beautiful, but they do support my growth. In subtle ways, that is a special kind of beauty that I have come to know.
May all your mountain climbs be experienced safely and authentically, no matter how quick, fast, boring, fearful, sad, gratifying, x, y and z they are.
With all my love,
Your Oracle Delivery