Seeing the Whole Mountain

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“If peace comes from seeing the whole, then misery stems from a loss of perspective.” – Mark Nepo

It’s probably not shocking to admit that the most beloved people in my lives, a.k.a my kids, can sometimes irritate me. The other day, my 6-year-old daughter walked by me as I was sitting at the table and used the back of my shirt as a napkin for her buttery popcorn hands. And the little one loves to get his hands on my dental floss – and pull and pull and pull until there’s a long trail behind him sufficient to find Hansel and Gretel.

But all it takes is one look at them earnestly trying to learn something, or one comment from someone else about how precious they are and my eyes leak as my heart overfills.

One of the best pieces of advice about love that I’ve heard about love is when feeling the grind of it, to back up and see the whole mountain. Maybe my love of mountains makes this resonate especially with me but it brings to mind some of the toughest spots I’ve faced in climbing.

One of my least favorites is called Cathedral Gap on Mt. Rainier. It’s right next to Cadaver Gap, which because it’s aptly named, is NOT the route we take. But Cathedral Gap, despite its lovely name is grueling. It’s right after you’ve left Camp Muir at 10,200 feet and the first time that rope teams and crampons are required. Often the route is quite pebbly in spots and the mud and muck get jammed between the points of the crampons designed to help grip in snow and ice. When that happens then with each step you have to bang your foot against your ice axe to clear the debris.

The combination of being roped up, coordinating the pace with those on the team all the while climbing, banging your foot with your axe and breathing undoes me. It isn’t that climbing the rest of the mountain is easy but that particular part of the route (approximately located where the yellow arrow is on the picture below) I find to be grating.

And yet, when I see Mt. Rainier as I do every sunny day in Seattle, it gives me such a thrill. Just a glimpse of The Mountain, as my dad called it, and I’m filled with a tingle of the timeless beauty, daunting majesty and feeling of home it gives me. I feel this overwhelming sense of hope that we can all know beauty and dignity and stand tall against the test of time.

And it’s the same with my kids. There is a particular expression they both have that show when they are feeling confident about something they’ve learned. One glimpse of their little faces and I’ve come home – to my love and my life.

19 thoughts on “Seeing the Whole Mountain”

  1. Oh Wynne, this brought me to tears. This is exactly the advice I need to remember: “to back up and see the whole mountain.” Perfectly put and makes so much sense. I’m writing this in my journal. Thank you!❤

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  2. Lol! Reminds me of when my daughter is frustrated with the kids and she turns to me and says through gritted teeth, “I love my kids! I love my kids!”

    I remember those days! 😬

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  3. What an absolutely beautiful train of thought Wynne. Mountains like our kids teach us a lot and help us evolve. Though I’ve never climbed an actual mountain with ropes, just being near one brings a feeling of quiet joy and majesty. Can’t imagine what it feels like to actually climb one. I’m very impressed by your prowess. As for the popcorn hands, hmmm, that might not change quickly, but I promise it will evolve. 😁

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  5. Beautiful post, Wynne. And I am always suspicious of parents who say they never get rid irritated by their children! 😆

    I always enjoy when you bring in your mountain and climbing analogies and draw parallels with life and with parenting. Looking at love as a whole mountain really does put things into clarity.

    Next time I’m at Seattle, will definitely have to check out Mt Rainier. Something we didn’t get to do last time.

    Happy almost weekend! 🙏

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    1. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a parent that’s claimed that but I completely agree – Very suspicious!

      Yes, you have to check out Mt Rainier. Such an amazing place. And I totally admit I’m biased!! ❤️❤️❤️

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  8. Wow. That is a beautiful mountain. And omg to the popcorn hands on your shirt?!?! Aaaaaahhh!! Hahaha. Sigh. Kids. This morning Joe snuggled in my lap, and I made a conscious effort to appreciate what was happening in that moment, because I knew those moments weren’t going to last long. Maybe I have, at most, two years left for snuggles? Not sure, but I definitely need to take what I can get. Yep, he can be quite the stinker, but the snuggles and the kisses, oh my goodness… best thing ever. I guess that’s my gorgeous mountain. 🙂

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  9. I love how you connect instances and incidents in your life to such insightful learnings. Indeed it is all about perspective that can make the difference. 🙂

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