I have just returned from a special trip to Europe, and as I look back at the experience, I am reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago, Peaks and Valleys (you can find it in my listing of poems). In Peaks and Valleys, I speak to what each bring to our lives both in real terms and in symbolism. And that was without the benefit of having seen some pretty darn high mountains in the form of the alps of Switzerland.
For seven days in September, I travelled with my wife, Line to the Abruzzo region of Italy which is comprised of mountains, gorges, hills and valleys. Those days were followed by a nine-day train ride, and stays in various locations throughout northern Italy and Switzerland. And when one speaks of Switzerland, it is almost automatic that the alps come to mind along with the multitude of valleys of farmland.
The air is thinner; the views are more spectacular; the blue skies are ‘bluer’; and the sound of cow bells echoing across the mountain side pastures is a reminder of there being another form of symphonies of music. How can one not admire the artistry of the one who made this world when one stands 9,000 feet above sea level yet still sees higher peaks and even deeper valleys!
I have also had the good fortune of being able to travel across Canada, visiting all of the provinces and one of the territories. And that in itself is a pretty amazing country when we consider the valleys, plains, mountains all abounded by three oceans and lots of freshwater lakes and rivers. And I have travelled to many other countries where the geographies have been varied and spectacular (have I mentioned the Serengeti?).
The grandeur of the earth’s geography cannot be overstated. And we are its stewards. How are we doing eh? There is no doubt that there is room for improvement.
And from a symbolic perspective, I go back to my poem. There are highs and lows in our lives as individuals and as a society. The mountains we climb are there to help us get a different view; to remind us that we are small and not the centre of the world; and that by working together to leverage our strengths that we can overcome challenges of all kinds. As with the mountains, the valleys have a purpose in that we have a different perspective having to look up; that we gain nourishment from the land we care for and live on; and that being down is not always a bad place to be but that we must be there for each other.
I come back from my travels richer for the experience of seeing with my wife another part of the world. However, it is the reminder of the peaks and valleys that present themselves in different forms which inspire me and fill me with gratitude.