Solitude Matters

I was only minutes from thousands of people, but I felt like I was completely alone. 

Garden of the Gods is a magical place and is full of nature, though somehow it's in the middle of Colorado City. Up against the quaint town of Manitou Springs, the giant red rocks tower above the city and shoot out making themselves known to anyone within 15 miles. There are dozens of trails to hike, Siamese Twins, Kissing Camels, Tower of Babel, and more. Each trail brings life to a new and unique rock formation. We saw people rock climbing up Grey Rock, named for its dull and dried-out-looking grey color. It's the tallest in the Garden, but it stands right next to the most beautiful formation to me, Sleeping Giant. Its red, orange and bright brown colors stand out from all the other rocks. 

There is something about being in The Garden of the Gods that makes you feel like a real visitor here on earth. These formations have been here for such a long time, 300 million years, and they have been shaped by the adversity they have faced. There is a lot we can learn from their journey over those millions of years. 

In the solitude of the Garden, I felt connected to the rocks. Just as the water and wind have molded and shaped the formations into what they are today, so too are we molded and shaped by the adversity we face. I thought about the things that have happened to me over the years, both good and bad. It's those experiences that make me who I am. Some have caused marks or blemishes, but others have codified and strengthened me. You can either fight against the adversity or you can lean into it and become more refined and wise as a result.

That’s the amazing thing about nature. It’s like holding a mirror up to our face. When we look at a mountain, valley, ocean, river, or giant sand dune, we should see ourselves. We should listen to what nature is trying to teach or show us. We should respect it, take care of it, and in return, it will take care of us. One of the most fascinating things I remember learning in grade school was how we need trees and plants, and they need us. Do you think it’s a coincidence that they need us to burn off oxygen and turn it into carbon dioxide so they can survive? And do you think it’s a coincidence that they burn off that carbon dioxide and give it back to us by way of oxygen?

Why am I sharing all of this with you? I invite you to find time to be alone. I invite you to find time to be introspective and reflective. It’s in this space where we can take an honest look at ourselves, and our lives, and determine if we are on the right path. You will probably only have 3-5 times in your life where you will be able to make significant changes. It doesn’t always have to happen to you, it can happen because you proactively re-evaluated and course corrected. We all have things we want to accomplish, and we all have things that will give our life meaning. Don’t miss your chance to jump out there and seize your moment!  

What are you waiting for?

Your Friend,

The Brazen Traveler