Mongolia Dreaming

I sent in my deposit to travel to Mongolia this summer. Everytime I think about the trip I get excited and my energy vibrates faster. Much of my excitement has to do with going on a guided trip with Helen Sovdat, one of the few female international climbing guides. I have had a keen interest in finding women mentors in the mountains. Even female peers would be good. In my shamanic teachings we learn about the male/female balance and I have been aware of the lack of the feminine in my climbing world. It has been my experience that not as many women are willing to suffer for the love of Ice Climbing in the manner that I am interested in pursuing.

For me climbing is not just a physical pursuit but a perfect arena for me to practice my spritual practices. Putting my money where my crampons are so to speak. The active male side of climbing is self evident for me, the spark of taking action. But the receptive female side is more subtle. Being responsive to the weather, the ice or rock conditions, knowing when to turn back, calming the mind when under fear and tension. I am interested in the process of climbing/mountaineering from start to finish since that is where my learnings are. Getting to the top of anything has value of course but I want to get there and back home in a manner I am proud of. Victories come in many forms.

Not that this trip started out with this in mind. For me it was finally aquiessing to the request of the mountains and of the land. I think many climbers and travellers can relate. Something burrows under the skin and can't be itched until you find yourself on that climb or in that particular place. The Bugaboos was like that for me, it's siren song was beautiful and finally climbing up to the Kain Hut and looking at the spires. I was amazed at how similar the energy was to the green covered mountains along the Inca Trail in Peru.

I have no idea what the energy of Mongolia will be like, but I am looking forward to finding out and having some female company along the way.