Nature's Teachings

"Look at that river," he said. "Can you see it? Let's suppose that the water is time passing. If where we are nw is the present, where do you think the future is located?"

I thought for a moment. It seemed like an easy one. I gave the most obvious answer, "The future is where the water goes, down over there."

"Wrong!" my father declared. "Fortunately." 

Later:

"If the point at which you immerse yourself is the present, I thought then the past is the water that has flowed past you, that which has gone downstream and where there is nothing left for you, whereas the future is the water that comes down from above, bringing dangers and surprises. The past is in the valley, the future is in the mountains. This is how I should have replied to my father. Whatever destiny may be, it resides in the mountains that tower over us. "  

                                               -  from The Eight Mountains by Paolo Cognetti  

Choose a landscape that represents a state of mind. Do you need a refuge or a place to wander?

Imagine your visit to the river and its flow in a valley. It surges, bubbles, sneaks around obstacles. Erodes to get its way. It moves on.

Would you prefer puddling offerings of tranquility or the rigor of a climb up the steep grades?  

What happens in all times of weather? How will the mountains require a change?

Often the water feels languid and makes you restless to discover the trail. Then a pursuit upward among foliage, scents and sounds energizes the senses. Where will the twists, turns and scramble take you?

What will the mountains teach you about the future?