Ausangate TREk - May 10th, 2024

After months of training, dieting, abstaining from any sexual activity and abstaining from salt, sugar, and any substances, it was time to begin our trek. The first day was harsh, stopping for deep breaths after a short jaunts up the first hills of the mountain. The landscape was unbelievably stunning with vistas and picturesque mountains all around us. The weather was incredibly diverse, switching from extreme winds and below freezing weather, to blazing hot south American sun. This was an introspective journey, as i began to notice my mind start trying to think its way into some sort of answer or projection into what the next 6 days in the mountains with no connection to the outside world would be like. On day 2, i had a profound breakthrough i will never forget. I decided to hang back from the group as i could sense i needed some space to be with myself and the spirits of the mountain. As we were coming through this incredible valley that was held by two spectacular mountains i began to feel my emotions rush through me. I was in a state of awe, struck by the incredible beauty and serenity of the moment. I began to weep deeply and i could feel the energies of the mountains holding me, i had flashes of my fears, doubts, and shame of my past. I was crying out of relief, out of beauty, out of sadness all at once. I then felt my mind completely give up, there was nothing but pure presence. I know what presence is like, but this was deeper and more profound. I had begun the process of healing with the mountains, this was only the beginning.