A Cry For Help

For whatever reason, the other night I found myself in the middle of writing a longish, frank, open-ended conversation or “post” on Facebook. This was not something I planned or edited but after an initial burst of energy I discovered I was three paragraphs deep into what my friends would only really consider a rant. I read what I had written, and realized I had more to say, that my feelings were important for me to share, but that they also demanded something extra; an introduction, an explanation, and hopefully, an epilogue (although that part will be written by us all). This is my best attempt to that end, I don’t expect to hit the mark and I don’t expect everyone to read, comment on, or even acknowledge some what I have to say. I understand that the subjects I’m talking about are controversial, but I hope it is clear that I do not mean to impose, to blame or to implicate with any of my words, and that hope is best reflected in my effort to frame the essay with this title.

We’re all in this together, our civilization has grown for hundreds years to create our present situation, our complacence does not equate with guilt, indeed it’s just the opposite, as our current understanding of the principals and habits of this broken system allow us an advanced perspective to it’s biggest problems and best possible solutions. Dream Big, Demand the Impossible.

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Resolutions, Pacts, and The Rock Project

Happy New Year!  2014 was one hell of a ride: our first Bike to Ski adventure, 6th year of Car-Free life and our 3rd year embracing 100%, completely Bicycle-Powered adventure.  We traveled literally thousands of miles by bike to climb, ski, hike, party, eat, sleep, and generally enjoy this beautiful planet.  I’m not one for resolutions but this time of year I do find myself taking stock of where I am, where I’ve been, where I’d like to be, this includes making sure I’m on track to be a better, more thoughtful, helpful, and considerate individual.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint, in fact, I’m often somewhat of an asshole, and while I continue to work towards being a more kind and compassionate individual, in my heart I know that this is who I am – a frank, no bullshit, straightforward kind of guy, and rather that try and stifle who I am, I think I’ll be more effective by embracing my personality and directing it in a positive and productive way.   What exactly does this mean?  Well, I’m still figuring it out, but it has a little something to do with this…

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International Mountain Day

Sorry to be late to the game, but after coming back from my weekend I heard that I had been inadvertently celebrating International Mountain Day, awesome!  After a little more research I learned that this year’s theme was Mountain Farming, more awesome!  Seeing as how my life pretty much revolves around these two subjects, I thought I’d share the little bit I learned about this great holiday, as well as a few thoughts on the importance of mountains in our lives. Continue reading “International Mountain Day”

Zion – A Sanctuary of Space

There’s something different about Zion National Park, something obvious and fundamental, something so simple that when you first encounter it you might not even notice.  Like a magician’s trick your eye is drawn to the canyon’s towering walls and breathtaking beauty, while right under your nose hides a difference that shapes your experience of this sacred space more than the natural beauty ever could.  Crowded into a shuttle with 50 other tourists, you might not be able to pick out exactly what it is that makes this place so special, but when a small group of cyclists cruises past as you step out to take in the awesomeness of the Big Bend, there’s a twinge of recognition. The difference?  There are no cars.

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The Longest Driveway.

Little Cottonwood Canyon. Highway 210. Alta.

The road climbs slowly at first, to a small bench above the valley floor.  For a moment the trees and houses drop away and you can turn and soak in the sea of humanity.  More often than not a dark haze obscures your view, the result of the transportation and industry of some 2.2 million people inhabiting the valley.  Ahead, the road turns into the canyon, disappearing between the gleaming granite walls.

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Fishing

Perfection is an illusion, and no outcome is ever really certain. At the beginning, there always exists a degree of ambiguity as to the expected results of most every endeavor.  We’re never truly finished, and looking back at any outcome in terms of success or failure is mostly a misconception, and a waste of time. We’d be better off to examine our achievements and attempts through their degree of awareness, their shade of illumination. How much did we learn – how much did we grow? Did I get hurt – or hurt another? No matter what we’re doing, it seems self evident that we should be striving to do it well, after all – half-assed never really sounded that respectable. To approach our lives with this idea of accomplishment takes time and patience, skill, practice, and dedication.

It’s why they call it fishing – not catching, it’s why they call it climbing – not summiting, and why I call it riding – not arriving.