Monomad Challenge Entry - Rocky Mountains

Before the winter months moved in and the first snow fell, I found myself in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA for several days. I had never been there before and it was a truly wonderful experience. Beyond that even. Each morning I awoke before the sun rose, packed a small lunch of boiled potatoes and salt, plenty of water and maybe a banana or two and hit the road. Each morning, I ventured further and further into the park. But still only scratching the surface of its beauty. Mountains, streams and wildlife. It is in places like this that the song of this natural world is broadcasted loudly. The thing is, you have to listen closely to hear it. And once you do, it pulses through your body like the rising and falling of a smooth wave in the ocean.

Each evening when I returned to my cabin, I found myself in such a quiet state of peace. Even when I closed my eyes I could see the mountains, still green and boldly present. For several days, this was my routine. Wake, drive, walk, photograph, soak in nature, return home, peace, rest.

I have experienced that feeling of peace before. It comes after spending days surfing or on the water, looking into the horizon. Rising and falling with each wave that passes beneath you. This feeling is something we all should experience if only to remind us of the true pace that we belong to. The natural pace of things. Not the human one that we have created for ourselves. So fast, almost forced at times. Let’s slow down and remember where we came from. Remember what we’re a part of.