How to lose and find yourself in the Himalayas ... and Hatta
I’m a big believer in running away to the mountains when life gets even slightly inconvenient. Every year since turning 30, I have found myself around the perennially snowy peaks of the Himalayas – close enough to the roof of the world. That’s an absurd stretch of a mile to find inner peace, you may think. However, I’m Indian and very much favour our stereotype of finding ourselves spiritually in…
Many people find solace in the mountains when life becomes inconvenient. Since turning 30, the author has made it a yearly tradition to retreat to the Himalayas, feeling that the high-altitude environment helps them gain inner peace. Their ancestors also held a similar belief, with their paternal grandfather often threatening to go to Kashi, a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The author's father also had a penchant for disappearing to join a monastic order. When the author first visited the Himalayas, they aimed to reach Mount Everest, but their lack of hiking experience and the onset of mountain sickness forced them to turn back before they could see the iconic peak. Undeterred, they returned the following year and climbed Mount Sandakphu, a 3,636-meter-high mountain on the Nepal-India border, where they witnessed a breathtaking panorama of some of the world's tallest mountains.
The author believes that the Himalayas strip away illusions and ego, providing a sense of humility and perspective. In a surprising turn of events, the author decided to spend a spiritual weekend in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE instead of returning to the Himalayas. After experiencing the challenges of mountain life in the Himalayas, the author questioned whether the physical hardship truly led to personal growth.
The author's experience in the Hajar Mountains aimed to provide a spiritual retreat, but they were left wondering if such a small-scale experience could truly change them.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- How to lose and find yourself in the Himalayas ... and Hatta thenationalnews.com
