As a kid, I used to climb onto the back of a chair to see what things looked like from that height. Even though cable cars scare me, if I see one going up a mountain, I need to go on it (unless skiing is involved). I once hiked three hours up a mountain trail in which there were a number of sheer drops and no one – no one – knew I was doing it. Not the smartest thing I’ve ever done but I couldn’t resist. This week thanks to train and tram, I’ve twice viewed the world from as high as I could get.
I love looking at the world from a grander perspective.
On the tram with me was a family with a young boy and girl whose ages were about 8 and 5 respectively. Everything delighted the little girl. A couple brought their dog on board and the moment she saw it she immediately and matter of factly said to it, “I love you.” She was giddy as the tram pulled away from the station excited for the unknown that lay ahead. She anticipated seeing sheep on route, pointed out bright colours on signs, laughed at the wind in her hair and when we stopped, she wanted to hurry off and start exploring. Her brother however dawdled to get on board, sat quietly for most of the trip and when it was time to get off he said, “I hate this”.
When do we shift from willingness and wonder to woe and worry?
It’s different for each of us but we all gradually ‘grow up’ meaning we grow apart from our inner child and our innate ability for joy. Then we spend our lives looking for happiness — in a job, a role, another person and things — when as Glinda the Good Witch said to Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, “You’ve always had the power”.
As long as you care more about what others say or think than the desire in your heart and hold onto the stories you tell yourself about why you can’t have what you want or blame others for your unwanted circumstances, you’re giving your power away.
I invite you to look at things from a higher, grander perspective: How would it feel to let go of some or all of your shoulds, excuses and what ifs, and instead let your inner child have a voice? What would he/she/they say?
Heartfully happy atop Mt Snowdon
