50.16 Utah: Where else? A Tribute to Nature with special acknowledgement of the Grand Greater Salt Lake Region...and maybe, 'try to love our neighbor.'

Jen reaches Wire Peak. What a place!

The next two are on Mount Aire.

Sitting on a mountain today, I thought of a few ideas. We’ve often considered, and in fact, written, that the best place to begin in fixing societal issues is with oneself. Fix yourself. With that in mind and knowing how much fixing I need, I gazed across at the incredible mountain ranges of greater Salt Lake City, distracted most of the way by the glorious foliage of autumn. Truth be told, and we’ve mentioned it frequently, each day over the past six weeks, the colors have improved (as if there was a need to improve). Frankly, we are witnessing miracles. I digress.

Society is moving in a direction which horrifies me. However, I am only one person with an opinion. Nevertheless, when I witness the acrimony, hypocrisy, outright hatred that permeates the United States, it’s most disconcerting and depressing. Perhaps the most debilitating aspect of all is the character assassination that occurs regularly—people embarrassing one another in the public forum. Is there no limit to the shame it causes to all? By the way, the sages of old, clearly not as wise as today’s intelligentsia, stated that to embarrass a person, especially in public, is akin to killing that person. Makes one think. Should make one consider one’s actions, too. 

Jen moves up heading way above the peak on the left to reach Mount Wire, beyond and on the right.

Two lessons struck me which I share below. When sitting on the mountains, or most places in nature, it’s a good time to realize each person is important. However, this should be coupled with perhaps a greater thought: In the scheme of things, on Planet Earth, we are all insignificant. We should look around and realize what we see before us has been and will be here long after we’re gone. We’ve sat on volcano peaks and seen the devastation of earlier eruptions. We’ve also observed on others the regeneration that has occurred over hundreds and thousands of years. 

People have three score and ten years only. Nature is infinite, to all intents and purposes. When we experience the magnificence of the natural world, and there are countless opportunities, we see miracles occurring before our eyes. It gives one perspective of where we fit. Of course, we all have a role. However, let’s not overestimate our worth. 

Telephoto view from the peak.

The other observation may be that when a person experiences such joy, and is a witness of perfection, perhaps it is apt not to value oneself too highly. Hopefully, the sights and understanding will soften our outlooks, lessen the anger and provide perspective to our lives. Should one realize we have shortcomings, and many, then perhaps we won’t look upon our fellow inhabitants with a jaundiced eye but rather through the eyes of nature. Maybe then, we will all look a little nicer, worth protecting (or at worst, remain neutral) rather than wishing to destroy. Live and let live. For, when we attack, embarrass or humiliate a person, it is tantamount to killing. 

Enraptured before descending from Mount Wire.

Thank you to nature for showering our hearts with joy. The more delight nature adds, the more sweetness incorporated, the less space available for bitterness.

        

(Hot) Dog's Lake

Cheers,

The Lazarow's

There goes Jen again.
On the way home, down from the peak, we spot the canyon road (At least we weren't lost...yet.) 
The only thing missing in Utah, we suppose, is a bit of color.