Up along the ridge I strode, confident, prideful, yearning and strong… following an ancient lineage of explorers and lovers of Mother Nature herself. The path was barely marked by decomposing steps, composed of trees long ago fallen and sculpted into a wondrous earth and vegetated staircase. I can feel with each step my heart beginning to beat ever more steadily in time with the pace of the wild green yonder.
Along the top of the ridgeline I spy a sentinel of living tissue, and beyond that an even larger monolith tower above the rest of the forest dwellers. These trees, without match in size or cunningness tell the story of years gone by in their mangled and contorted forms.
I am here to conquer this dangerous creature of years gone by. I am here to make my identity known to all who dwell above and below. I am here to rise to the challenge. Scoping out my opponent… choosing a starting point of advance… I begin my climb.
The first few lengths of this battle are swift movements on my part to gain ground quickly. In defense, my opponent impedes the way with a sheer face of brute strength, smooth and impassable. A serious challenge is presented before me, immediately as I realize the impatience of my advance. With a better understanding and appreciation for this tree I attempt a new tactic that I have never tried. I enter. Passing through the womb of destruction and life I can see the last remnants of my opponent’s previous victim, now hardly recognizable but for the gaping wound that it has left behind. My presence here is not well felt so I pass quickly back into the daylight to find myself staring up at the backside, now made front, of my challenge.
Now, with great caution and respect for this life form, I climb; but not as I had before. My movements are deliberate, methodical and conscientious of my opponents every twitch. I must find in myself true strength of agility, determination and endurance if I am to rise to the skill level of this tree. I must appreciate that which it provides me, and give back its due honor, just as a warrior is expected.
With every last ounce of this newfound and true strength I lunge upward, finding myself amidst my opponent, not having conquered nor been defeated. We each hold the other in a tight grasp as if frozen for time itself. Neither of us breathes nor flinches; both of us standing in wonder and awe.
Then off in the distance, through the lush, green canopy, a whisper upon a wind stirs and flows toward us. As its cool air refreshes both of our bodies we relax and release our grip, knowing that the Master of all has entered the arena. With a sense of peace, love and justice the Master speaks to us of our misunderstood struggle. No longer do we see ourselves as opponents on a battlefield, but now two beloved creatures in communion with each other in the presence of our Master and Lord.
In great joy and peace I now realize now that I can return to those of my race with my head held high, not in pride or superficial strength, but with a new veneration for all beings around me, as well as a greater reverence for our Master. As I descend my once opponent, now companion, guides me and holds me close as a brother and friend to frolic in his branches. Touching the earth, I am safe at last in my own world, but also one in a united world of creatures. Back along the trail of old I journey, now as one of the ancients who has left a mark of kinship, oneness in spirit, hope and love.
I have risen to the challenge…
“the first climb of a fig” - Interactive Field Study, Cody LeClaire, 4.4.10
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