New Heights

Lofty goals that connect us with our deeper selves empower us greatly.

          By now, we may be putting into action our new year’s resolutions.  We surely want them  to positively influence us this 2011.   Lofty goals that connect us with our deeper selves—our conscience, our roles and personal mission—empower us greatly.  They make us more free because in doing them them over time, we reach new heights in our courage and confidence, making us more fulfilled, happier.

One needs to calculate his own risks and see objectively if he is fit for the climb.

          Working on lofty goals is like climbing a mountain—it takes enterprise and optimism. Mountain climbing requires great tenacity and lots of work not only in its execution but also in its preparation.  One needs to calculate his own risks and see objectively if he is fit for the climb. It is an advantage if you have a good guide who will help you find the best path and traverse the steep and jagged trails.

I think people who climb love nature including the climb's challenges.

           I had a chance to climb Mt. Batulao with some friends last November.  My friend Carlo made a research about Mt. Batulao--about 1,050 meters above sea level--and persuaded me to go. We started our trek at around eight in the morning. We were like eager beavers at the start but I realized that our climb was also exacting and not just exciting.  It required specific preparation like physical exercises to condition our bodies so that we could muster our energies to reach the top.  I think people who climb love nature including the climb’s challenges.  Carlo found a good guide for us—Jumbo.    

Jumbo said, "When you go to the mountain, it is easier to pray...to talk with God."

          Jumbo does mountain climbing as a hobby but he also offers for a fee his services as guide and organizer of climbs for various groups.  As guide, he knew when and where to give the climbers assistance and support.  He loves mountains and knows a lot of places for nature-tripping that are especially suited for a student’s small budget.  When I asked him why he likes climbing he said, “When you go to the mountain, it is easier to pray ... to talk with God.”  He added that becoming healthy and fit are mere consequences of having frequent climbs.

          There are ten camps before reaching the summit of Mt. Batulao.  We ate our lunch at ten past thirty in the morning at Camp 1.  The camps are landmarks of stones, or simple benches or huts which are similar to World War II refuge stations in the Pacific.  There you can sit for a while to breathe lots of fresh air, to rest and gain more strength and perspective.  We were lucky that there we lots of coconuts so we had thirst-quenching buko juice.  Camp 10 is at the mountain’s summit. 

View from Camp 10 of Mt. Batulao.

An image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel found on top of Mt. Batulao.

We reached the summit by noon time.

            We reached the top by noon time and there we prayed the Angelus before a statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which, we were told, had been left there by some Salesian seminarists.  We stayed on the cool summit for an hour I think.   Afterwards, Jumbo led us to an easier path for the descent. Byfour in the afternoon, we were on our ride for Manila.

Thanks to our guide Jumbo and escort Ate Mila, we made it to the top.

          On the plus side of it, the climb was a crash course to understand patience, strength, and tenacity to keep on with one’s pursuit.  Concentration and focus is needed so as not to get distracted with what one sees along the way—interesting insects and animals, plants, people and their work, the dark rain clouds, one’s particular fears, or even a very nice panorama.

Reaching new heights initially requires "can do attitude".

          Reaching new heights requires new paradigms or mind-set.  Initially, it requires a realistic “can do” attitude.  One’s goal has to be attuned with reality and be always linked with one’s deeper aspirations and vision, with one’s sense of purpose or mission.  The goal which is to reach the top has to be translated to simple and specific doable steps. One has to be ready to do unusual things like clambering and crawling on all fours—literally like goats—in order to carry out steeper ascent or descent.  Focus and consistency in one’s pursuit are needed to finish the climb.  If not, we fail or we get lost.

In a climb, one has to be ready to do unusual things.

A mountain climb is like a crash course to understand patience, strength, and tenacity to keep on with one's pursuit.

           The sight on the mountain especially at the Batulao summit was breath-taking.  Jumbo was right--then and there, it was easier to talk to God.