moments of solitude

July 21, 2023

When the alarm went off at 4.30 am this morning, a part of me wanted to convince myself not to go, to sleep a little more instead. The reasons to stay were plausible, given that my sleep hadn't been optimal the past few nights.

But the thought that this would be the last opportunity to go up and get the freshest air prevailed. Besides, I already had the train ticket, prepared lunch and snacks, and my backpack was ready to go (perhaps this was my strategy not to boycott myself - preparing everything beforehand to not leave room for escaping). 

A thunderstorm came together with my arrival at one of the spots to get the bus to the beginning of the hike - lightning, thunder, and a lot of water. The voice that wanted me to stay home came again, saying I should get the first train to go back. I prevailed. 

The weather ended up opening up while still in the bus, and the conditions ended up being simply perfect throughout the hike 💫 

It became a tradition of mine; every year, around this time of the year, I take a day (or at least half of it) for myself and go explore the Swiss rocky mountains. 

This time, I explored a region that had been on my list for a while. And it became clear that I'll need to come back to explore it further (staying overnight and taking my camera with me will be part of the agenda). Damn, this place is stunning. 

The feeling of being in the mountains can't be described in words. It's like being at home. I feel safe, embraced, in my element (the same feeling when I'm in water - lake or ocean) - the silence, the strength of nature, the raw beauty of our planet.

When I go hiking, it is also usually when my mind creates at its best. It bubbles with insight, ideas, and aha moments. I often need to write down thoughts while I go so they don't lose themselves in the wind.

I was definitely missing the mountains. Thankful for the fresh air, the creative mind, and the moment of solitude 💙

Where do you go for clarity?