"Anonymously... Intrinsically..."

"The acid test of a true adventurer, if presented with certain anonymity, is whether each of us would still have made the journey beyond the last blue mountain..." M. Clark
Over these many years, and every season for certain, I am asked why undertake this Summit Stone endeavour in an anonymous way. Remaining anonymous, simply being nameless, was actually first encouraged by a close mentor of mine way back when. It was during those younger heady years, full of that vigour, energy, and endless goals. We talked about, then I long pondered, the differences between pride in our accomplishments, and the hubris that can distract us from their true meanings... As my intentions within this whole journey evolved, it became more clear as well that the essential elemental nature of all of this could be better expressed by remaining unknown. Then the focus shifts more clearly to other meanings, other important adventure themes, more significant expressions - like those represented in the "Giving Back & Passing Forward" section link right here...
The ancient Greeks understood the depths of 'Anonumos', as they called these paths and efforts. They mused endlessly about the mystery to be found therein by each and every spirit who wanders. Being 'Anonumos' also very much meant leaving the ego by the wayside, letting go of that kind of recognition, so something else may be discovered... I think it is this kind of mystery that calls out to each of us. The unknowns of the wild places inherently do this. So if you discover a painted touchstone up within a summit cairn and register, placed there by an unknown someone, then just maybe, that tiny bit of extra mystery might spark a little interest as well. In why someone would do this, and what that might mean for you, and how this could express itself in any way you choose to give back and pass forward yourself...
Then such anonymity invites another kind of awareness. Many others, in their own ways, have also enjoyed exactly this kind of experience by giving something, anything, anonymously. This kind of expression then is not really about the giver, nor even only about the gift, but moreso about the connections that grow for all of those involved. There is much to be pondered about giving anonymously...
Vìktor Frankl wrote: ``We should not, then, be hesitant about challenging man with a potential meaning for him to fulfill``.
Maybe it`s kind of like heading out on a solo sea kayak trip, or as potently out upon a solo mountain climb. Then it is only truly about you and the mountain, you and the sea, within the joy of those moments. Other than for safety, no one even knows you have been there; only you know what those efforts meant, and for how each of us then creates our own meaning within such experience.
Frankl also wrote: ``What he needs is... the call of a potential meaning to be fulfilled by him``.
An anonymous gesture is more about doing something for its own sake, not being influenced by any external outcomes or expectations, but more allowing the intrinsic value, purpose, and meaning of it all to emerge. If that is what is then naturally revealed, then it is all good and everyone can simply smile..... DSD
My sincere gratitude for sharing your images with us all my Friends.