DREAMS

I often don’t know how to put into words most of the moments from my time in the mountains. They almost inexplicably coincide with what would be considered a dream - only better. Indeed, I dream of these moments when I’m away. I often dream of how it would feel to be there - there in the mountains. I imagine the cold wind stinging my face or my numb fingers as I fiddle with my camera. I imagine my heart flutter the second it sees the mountains soaring to the heavens, dressed in the purest coat of snow. I imagine my eyes eagerly shifting between the light emitted by the sun and the clouds rolling across the sky, trying to predict how the sunset will paint the landscape. I hear the sound of birds singing and the near frozen waters trickling through the polished stones onshore. But it’s all a dream.

Yet when these dreams and fantasies do converge with reality - when I’m actually there - it’s those moments that are most profound. It’s truly akin to “living a dream” or being dropped into a scene of your favorite movie. It’s those moments in time where you just don’t question your business being there. You understand deeply that the current moment, in that particular place, is exactly where you should be. No distractions, no worries, no expectations, no rush - just the present moment for all its worth and all it has to offer. If there are ever moments where time stands still - like a timeless dream - it’s these: It’s when the last hour, the last week, the last year lose all their weight and tomorrow - the future - becomes something that worries for itself. Those are the moments that are absorbed by the soul. They render color to your sight and nurturance to the body. Their fundamental essence bring about an indescribable peace and wholeness. It could be a moment where the day’s last light dances with the mountain peaks. Or perhaps it’s the way a creek sings through flower speckled meadows. Maybe it’s the way birds suspend themselves, carefree, in the air above you or how the night sky glistens with stars. Regardless, whatever those moments are, find them, listen to them, be present with them. Let them move and inspire you for it is those very moments that will fuel new dreams. 

I know my dreams are somewhere out there - out there nestled within the mountains. They are out there resting high upon great spires of rock or flowing deep within crystalline streams. They sway with the trees and fly with the birds and feel as sharp as the sting of winter storms up high. My dreams are out there. Not on roads but trails, nor a comfortable home but on cold ground with star filled skies above me. My dreams are out there; too great and too vast to be achieved in a life time, yet my pursuit will not cease. For where my dreams are, that is where I feel most free. And to be free, is to keep dreaming.