Another piece of “How I met your mother” life philosophy (see –> Right place, right time) and another view on that life might get understood backwards, but needs to be lived forward (see –> Life is today). So both seems to be close to me …
The picture has been taken at Mt. Batur in Bali / Indonesia. Mt. Batur (known in Indonesia as Gunung Batur) is an active volcano, considered on of the most sacred mountains in Hinduism, and its peak is at 1717 metres. On the picture you can see majestic caldera lake reflecting the early sun-rays.
One of the most precious and emotional memories of my life – not only for the view, but in addition because of the journey it took to get to this picture. Getting up at around 1.30am for the 2-hour drive to the starting point of Toyabungkah village. Hiking up the mountain in darkness for another two hours to finally arrive at the summit. All this rewarded by the most beautiful and spiritual scenery possible.
Like this sunrise, many experiences in life only become really special and valuable by the efforts they required. Hopefully a consoling thought – when times are dark and the way is steep, there is a good chance that you get rewarded once you have gone through all this.
In loving memory of WV, who accompanied us on that memorable tour.
„Footprints in the sand“ (see below) resonates very much with me. David Bowie references the poem in his 2002 song „I would be your slave“
„I don’t sit and wait I don’t give a damn I don’t see the point at all No footprints in the sand I would give you all my love Nothing else is free Open up your heart to me And I would be your slave“
One of my favourite and most intense David Bowie concert moments, when he threw this song into the red light of the sunset as if he was disputing God.
Thought the poem is addressed to God, for me this could as well be addressed to one’s parents, lover, friends, you name it. As well Bowie actually has always been ambiguous who „I would be your slave“ actually adresses to.
In which way ever one would like to interpret the poem, it’s gives much comfort to have someone who cares next to you when the times get rough. In these moments, however, the view is often so narrowed that we no longer even notice a supporter. One thing to consider from time to time. And on the flip side – if you are the one on the sunny side, then you might as well be the one who is carrying the other. So worth looking out for footprints …
„One night I had a dream…I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way; But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, There is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.“
“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” (Bruce Lee)
