The concept of 'musing' was something passed on to me by many of my mentors...If we are only open to the possibility of allowing ourselves to listen to the mentors, guides, and elders in our lives we may see that their hindsight and experiences can become our own foresight... I believe the original 'Mentor' was the name for the advisor of young Telemachus in Homer's Odyssey.
The soapstone sculpture above is symbolic of one mentor in my life... It was found on Salt Spring Island while hiking and kayaking out in the Gulf Islands. Unfortunately I cannot recall who the artist was. There have been many guides who shared with me... and took the lead on a classic mountain where I would not have otherwise reached the summit... who challenged me in swiftwater that I was doubtful about... upon Outward Bound courses where I relearned what was within me...
T. Des Pres said that such openly shared experience resonates with, "A deeper knowledge, an elder wisdom...". This kind of knowledge then becomes literally embedded in the cells of our bodies because of the importance we give it and the trust we find there...
And this is something worth honouring...
The mountain above is named "Grandfather", whom was an elder guide in my own life... I would like to think that such a mountain could have been referred to in his honour.....
Whom do you honour as an elder, guide, or mentor in your own life...?
DSD
3 comments:
GrandFather is a name used across many different cultures as a term for elders and special members of that society. To have a Grand Father like this in your life is considered a very special thing.
We all have these people in our lives. Some of us then decide to pass it along as well. I've taught on many outdoor courses. My wife also is an owner of a summit stone from a trip to Canada.
I have now talked with four others who have found summit stones by you. You are making some outdoor people very happy.
cobs91
Post a Comment