I used this example of climbing a mountain to explain to someone why people do what they do. we are all climbing a mountain that has obstacles in their way, to get to the top (our goal of whatever) there are people along the way happy making camp on a ledge and accepts that's too much work. there are others who try to distract you or pull you down. Maybe it's because they think if you are higher than them, you will look down on them (who knows) many want you to be beneath them to feel superior. BUT there are those calling encouragements and offering a helping hand. are the people sitting on the sidelines or trying to bring you down worth giving up on the mountain???? no. we all have mountains to climb and feels great when we get higher up.

just a thought to share

Thanks

no problem hun. i have to remind myself of this at times.

I like it down here in the valley. The soil is good for a garden the river is cool for swimming

lol missed ya madison...but no valleys here....only nasty mucky muck with nasty creatures there (basically rock bottom to whatever the situation is...work with me here lol)

relax darlin' stop all that darn rock climbing and come sit down by the slate bottemed river

lol and get corrupted more???? i get myself into trouble with your help

A 'mountain of life' metaphor that has profoundly marked my life, was Albert Camus' essay on the Greek Myth, Sisyphus!!!

I was 15 at the time, and thought the subject was way too nebulous and fatalistic for my taste.

Until I got this part, don't remember which part in the book, where it instantly all made sense, in an absurd but brilliant kind of way.

Sisyphus ultimately deals with our obsessive and compulsive behavior to escape our human condition, this 'having to go somewhere' or 'do something' ALL THE TIME to avoid dealing with 'JUST' that! 'JUST' this! 'JUST' here!

'Go somewhere!' all the time, implies, 'NEVER HERE'!!! (all the time)

Sisyphus got enlightened, found profound and eternal peace, the moment he totally embraced his condition, and all the circumstances that came with it.

Don't even hope to find eternal peace on this planet. It is not part of the human condition, and certainly not an earthly circumstance.

Whether one climbs a mountain, or sips wine in the valley, embracing one's true and whole condition, and all its circumstances, might very well be our singular and only journey on this planet.

very good point too. i was referring more to overcoming things...not life as a whole. i'm stopped up with allergies so not thinking straight lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htSXKYs8sQM&feature=related

Brilliant 'Madisonman' !!!

Love the soulful music!!!

Not sure about the lyrics?!?!

But those 3 jumping, laughing, prisoners in shackles, are a perfect modern day representation of SISYPHUS.

'Seize the day', through embracing our condition in ALL its circumstances!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY5v9tt62IY&feature=related

i'm going to throw stones down on madison

Im sure y ou saw the film if not you will enjoy it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08e9k-c91E8&feature=related

Well it's like i always say... keep moving up and you may never reach the top... but you'll always be that much higher than the step you took before.

And personally no those wishing to drag you down are not worth your time. a true friend will care enough to see you succeed even if it means you surpass them.

so push yer friends off... errr... i mean up!! the mountain and climb!!!

All of my mountain climbing experiences have seemed like Sisyphus and his boulder. I almost feel like mountains shouldn't be looked for or avoided. Not to say that people don't enter mountain climbing mode without making one first. I'm just trying to take whatever is thrown at me, without packing climbing gear or buying wine to sip. I'm too broke for that, even if wine is cheap in Sweden at a government store!