Climbing a Volcano

I just finished climbing Llamatepec, an active volcano, in San Salvador with my oldest son.

It was a great way for he and I to spend some time together today enjoying the natural beauty of this powerful mountain, and physically exerting ourselves for a few hours as we journeyed to the top.

As we made the climb up, I noticed the landscape had three distinct experiences. I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the climb and the stages of life we all go through.

The first stage of the climb reminded me of early adulthood, filled with youthful curiosity.

As I walked through the tall trees, all I could see was the forest immediately in front of and around me. I was on the trail going up, but I couldn’t see more than 20 feet of it as it wound around through the trees.

The tall trees grew high into the sky, creating a canopy of shade from the scorching sun. There were types of trees I hadn’t seen before, and plants bearing fruits that were unfamiliar to me. On this part of the trail, my focus was on what was directly in front of me, my view was limited, and I was eager to get to the top.

The second stage of the climb represented middle age learning and growth.

As the vegetation became shorter on the mountain, the terrain opened up, I was able to see much more of my surroundings. I began to notice the details of the landscape, and the climb became more of a challenge.

The terrain was changing, more difficult, and I had to adapt to it. I had to choose where to step. At times I really had to focus in order to maintain my balance over the rocks along the path.

There were places along this part where I could clearly see all the surrounding terrain and expansive vistas. As I looked in the distance, I could see the long climb ahead.

This stage of the climb reminded me of the years in our lives when we are working hard to grow and learn new things. Building, creating. Having had a greater number of experiences in life, we can see or understand more of it. Know more of what is out there and the journey we want to take. We also have a better understanding of the time, energy, and effort that will be required to make it.

The third and final stage of the climb was like mature wisdom, that is only achieved from pushing into what is difficult, what is unknown, and what causes you to grow.

As I ascended to the crater top, the landscape became more barren and rocky, but it was also more open and expansive. The way was clear with little chance of getting lost. The view from the top was incredible. It was as if there was no more bullshit about what is what. No more confusion about what is or isn’t.

From the summit, I could see 360 degrees around me. I could see other conical volcanos across the horizon. I could see blue lakes below me, and in the open expanse I saw many green fields flowing toward many buildings filled with people in the towns.

I could see life.

And then turning, and looking down into the crater, as if I was looking inside myself. I could see a brilliant aqua blue lake, with portals of hot, steaming gasses expressed from the sides of the crater that drifted across the still water. Serene. With power.

I was reminded of the deep mysteries of life that are best appreciated after years of experience and reflection.

As I descended the volcano, I felt a sense knowing. The climb had reminded me of the stages of life we all go through – from youthful curiosity, often absorbed in what is immediately in front of us, yet with dreams of what will be ahead;

to middle age growth and learning where more interaction with life lends for a broader vision and ability to see the terrain that calls to us to navigate;

to mature wisdom, that has cut through a lot of what distracts us, or causes us to lose our way, and sees what is. Most importantly sees what is deep inside us, that is brewing, that is powerful, that is beautiful and dangerous.

It was a reminder to appreciate each stage for what it is, and to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

I hope you find yourself remembering to enjoy the climb you are on. The climb has many things it may ask of you, and staying curious is a great way to help you stay the course.

Thank you for being a part of my passion and mission that as men, we show up, be present, and push ourselves toward living our fullest potential. In appreciation.