27 July 2009
Journey of Soul
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
Dear Friends, When I saw your well wishes and prayers on my last post, Alone, But Not Lonely (Click), I sat at my desk and cried. I was overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness. I am grateful to each of you for holding me in safe keeping. I went to the mountains exceedingly well prepared and equally as fit to walk miles with a thirty-five pound pack up extremely steep terrain. I had back up systems for various situations, “in case this happens or that happens”, etc. But there was one thing I didn’t take into account: altitude sickness. I’m extremely sensitive to high altitude and was very sick. It literally brought me to my knees and forced me off the mountain prematurely. It was a humbling experience, one I embrace as “all part of the journey”, an experience that’s teaching me to look at the bigger picture. Just because things didn’t go the way “I” thought they would doesn’t mean they didn’t go the way they were meant to. All is perfect; it’s just a matter of me seeing the perfection.
Although I’ve hiked in this area a lot I forgot that I’d not hiked at 11,000 feet in four years. (Been doing desert trekking instead.) However, four years ago I started hiking on lower mountain trails and increased every few weeks by 500 to 1000 feet over an entire summer. So by the time I arrived at the higher trails I was more used to the altitude. I chose this area because it’s gloriously beautiful, one of my favorite places on Earth. Next time I’ll prepare myself by working up to the higher altitude. Women are more prone to altitude sickness. Some people experience it with only a slight increase in altitude and others not at all. Some symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, 
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing and sleeping and loss of appetite, all symptoms that aren’t good if you as in a survival situation and must think clearly.
The whole experience, before I left, while there and since has been one of the most profound of my life. I am STILL trying to process it and am not yet fully able to. It runs way too deep and will take time. Did I have visions? Yes, the internal journey began even before I set foot on the mountain. I started to have intense visions the moment I chose to do the quest, which made it hard to work. And once on the mountain, I think the altitude sickness sped up my whole vision quest as opposed to hindering it. It stripped me of any defenses and left me wide open. Will I do it again? Always, because I love Life and Nature and because there are unresolved things in myself that I want to explore. I want to again come face to face with Robin, raw and exposed.
This trip is only the beginning; it opened a door into new worlds and through that door I saw a journey that runs deeper than any I’ve ever taken. However, just as I can’t go up the mountain all at once and must adjust to the altitude, the soul journey I now embark on is not something I can do overnight. There is a toughening of soul that’s been set in motion. It will prepare me for the path I am being “called” to walk. Just as we toughen our muscles sometimes we have to toughen our souls so that we can fully BECOME who we really are. Up on that mountain I was BECOMING more fully Robin. I am headed into, what is for me, uncharted territory. Something in my entire being shifted and I am no longer the same.
“There are no failures – just experiences and your reactions to them.” ~ Tom Krause
Maybe some day I’ll be able to share more of this life-changing journey. For now this is all I can share, other than to say thank you from my heart for your deep caring and positive affect on my life. I proudly call you “friend”.
Love,
Robin
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34 Comments so far...
Lynn Says:
27 July 2009 at 1:05 pm.
I’ve just re-read the Alchemist Robin. And your post reminds me of his constantly being brought back to The Soul of the World, which operates non-verbally. We’re meant to be “in” it, not talk about it. So feel no pressure to share anything beyond your beautiful self in the world.
Much love.
Lynn
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Angie A Says:
27 July 2009 at 1:23 pm.
I for one am glad to hear you had an awesome experience and that you are back home safe. 
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Randall Says:
27 July 2009 at 1:26 pm.
Apparently, that wasn’t the “trail” you were supposed to take at this time. Sometimes it’s hard when we choose a certain path and the higher powers decide to route us a different way. Perhaps it’s how we’re reminded who’s really in charge.
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Robb Says:
27 July 2009 at 2:46 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
This is exactly what I meant in writing you were prepared to accept the Gifts Nature bestowed upon you. So often the mountain journey we conceive in our minds is of gentle breezes, blue skies, and peaceful meandering clear cool streams. And most often, in my experience, does it work out that way. The route we planned is obscured and cloud hidden, the gentle breeze becomes a gale, the quiet murmur of the river evolves into a raging torrent, or our very body tells us this is not the day. So more often our mountain experiences come down to how we adjust to the conditions of natures moods, ourselves, and accept what we are given. When I do that I come closest to that mystical interaction, and so I understand your journey and that we are never the same after such experiences. We shouldn’t be. Often times the true lessons do not seem to emerge until they are ready, and that is timeless. They will reveal themselves to you when both are ready. Rest easy and wind down Wild Sister. I will pick up my pack now and carry the load for you. Kia kaha!
Aroha always,
Robb
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Julie Says:
27 July 2009 at 2:46 pm.
Welcome home, Robin. And welcome to your new beginning. It seems as if so many of life’s beginnings are marked with growing pains. Thank goodness we’re blessed with memories of how beautifully our adventures sail along once we’re over our initial hurdles. Much love and many hugs. ~Julie
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Mel Says:
27 July 2009 at 3:46 pm.
My dearest Robin,
Breath deeply, cry, laugh.
New beginnings are never easy, but are always rewarding. We learn from everything, and a trully beautiful and curious spirit as yours needs change every once in a while.
I have you in my thoughts, you are not alone.
Besos,
Mel
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rich Says:
27 July 2009 at 4:51 pm.
welcome back robin. so happy you had such a profound experience and returned well.
you were missed.
your friend, rich
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Stephen - Rat Race Trap Says:
27 July 2009 at 5:47 pm.
Robin, welcome back. Missed you I’m so glad you had intense experiences, whatever they were and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
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Lance Says:
27 July 2009 at 7:16 pm.
“I was BECOMING more fully Robin” – Robin, I find this statement, in the context of everything else you’ve said, to be so wonderfully life-embracing. And just like your journey to the mountain, there may be journeys into your soul which also require retreat. In fact, I think that all of us can explore more deeply our soul. And retreat can be a good thing. A time to reflect on what we’ve discovered. And then begin traveling down that path again, or maybe taking a different path on the journey into our soul. Robin, I’m not sure if any of this is making sense to you, but as I type this, I’m finding it to be very therapeutic for me. As I think about where I’m at on that journey, and what lies ahead – reading what you’ve written here today is very much affirming that I’m on the path that’s right for me, at this moment in time.
Robin, your soul shines! And the more you become even more deeply connected to your deep inner being, the more you’ll just continue to shine light into the lives of all you touch (like mine…).
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earthtoholly Says:
27 July 2009 at 8:20 pm.
Welcome back, Robin, although I’m guessing that your heart may still be in the wild places that you love. I’m sorry to hear that you suffered some ill effects, but hey, maybe that was the Earth’s way of conversing with you, you think? That’s a cool thought. So glad to have you back and look forward to hearing more about your experience. Hugs to you… 
)
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Wilma Ham Says:
27 July 2009 at 8:45 pm.
I love what Robb says, accept what you have been given. Living like going on a mountain path is how I would like to live my life always. Being aware, having time to listen and meet myself.
And accept what I have been given, not what I think I should expect.
What a glorious reflection you gave us.
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Eric S. Says:
27 July 2009 at 10:03 pm.
The mountain always has plans for us we are unlikely to be aware of. It’s the natures spirits, of the trees, rivers, winds, and sky that guide us. Some times we need not go the full distance to garner the meaning of the quest.
I’m glad you’re home and healthy, and had an enlightening experience in your trek.
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starflight/marcel lemieux Says:
28 July 2009 at 4:51 am.
Hey ! there my friend..so glad to know you made it back safely..you are a brave women to have re-tried the nature journey…nothing is lost..all actions carry wisdom like the breeze on a leaves of a tree….it must of been awesome..all alone out there…personally i go for lake and sea shore now..lazy men,s way to enlightenment ha-ha..seriously i,m not as in good shape like in my younger days ..you and i know that the hardest mountain to climb is within ourself.and then peace and tranquility make,s its home in us….bet your hubby was glad to see you!
Well welcome back and be cool…peace Marcel
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Nards Says:
28 July 2009 at 7:46 am.
Welcome back dear girl. I’ll shoot you an email soon.
Much love,
~Nards
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David Says:
28 July 2009 at 8:01 am.
What a wonderful photo of your shadow. It’s really beautiful. Life takes us where it will and we hopefully are happy riders on the journey. I’m not always but then I look at you bouncing along with a smile on your face and it feels better. Thanks for sharing your adventure once again.
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Tammy/Cricket Says:
28 July 2009 at 10:14 am.
Well, leave it to me to be the worry wart. Yes, that is me alright. I tried to comfort myself my checking your status with your brother, Mark, only to be informed that you were fine and that you were “extremely capable” and that I was to ask you about “doing your own dental work.” Somehow that didn’t convince me that you were alright.
You know, me of all people understand the connection with nature. I am tune with what is around me and spend 95% if my life in the great outdoors. I have always admired those with a free spirit such as yours. To be able to go out there alone and just totally connect. Maybe my having two children that I know are dependent on me might be contribute to my way of thinking.
In the meantime, I will watch you grow, explore, and see the world through your beautiful eyes. I am so happy you are safe and sound. I do feel for you and your sickness that you experienced. I am sorry this happened but as many have said above, things happen for a reason.
Welcome home Robin. You were missed.
One day you will have to tell me about this dental work.
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Tami Says:
28 July 2009 at 11:03 am.
Ah, so now I understand..
Sometimes we run across people that are on parallel paths. I have felt drawn time and time again to keep reading your writings. Although I enjoy reading everything you write, the reason for this special “pull” has eluded me. And, even though several hints wooshed past me.
Hmmm. Well, my journey goes to China in a couple of weeks. Although it does not hold the same challenges of pure physical survival such as you were faced with, it has become apparent to me the past couple of weeks that there is an element of soul survival amidst all the very real physical forces (such as other people and events) that potentially can knock me away from my center of experience and existence (which is why I often feel a desperate need to escape sometimes..to reconnect). After a very real release of tears this morning in this acceptance, my Tai Chi has never felt more beautiful, nor the Universal Chi coursed more through my entire inner being. It felt like perfection inside, and yet from the outside it may have looked FAR from Tai chi perfection (technically). I think you understand what I am trying to describe here. I cried again in gratitude.
So…..even though a gold medal (I am competing for the U.S. team in an International competition) may not be the result (or, perhaps it may be the result) in the spirit of competition….it will still be as perfect as it “is”…in its imperfection. It is the journey that is perfect at any given point in time. And, that is OK. No need to push that, and be knocked off center. THIS is what I feel soul survival in the center is, and despite all outer expectations. For me, strength lies in remaining there. Two weeks ago, strength meant winning over competing forces.
Thank you, Dear Robin. This post was a great gift, and I am so very thankful that you are safe and well.
Love and light to you from the depths of my subtle heart.
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Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
28 July 2009 at 4:47 pm.
I can’t wait until we hear more about your journey it sounds as though there was a fierce battle within you from where you are to where your quest will take you. I love listening to your videos and I’m certain there will be more for us to know regarding how you deal with fear and the unknown we all have and rarely are able to conquer. I think of me and my fear of the dark and being alone and I wonder what is the difference between us. Maybe when we meet you’ll be able to share how to out wit the mind and let the soul lead the way which is what I suspect happens to you.
All my best, to a lady I’m so glad is becoming my blogging friend.
Until we meet..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
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Andy Lang Says:
28 July 2009 at 4:53 pm.
bumps along the road…..sounds to me, Robin, as though you’ve just had one….from which learning comes. Sad for your disappointment, though perhaps the altitude sickness is not a complete surprise. Experiencing our weak points, best to do that than otherwise. Love, A
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Liara Covert Says:
29 July 2009 at 7:56 am.
Robin, those things you do not share in words about your journey, are actually shared through unseen energy exchanges with kindred spirits. We are grateful for glimpses into these higher dimensions. Such experiences clarify our individual sense of purpose at this stage of physical existence. We are reminded every being is worthy, capable, loved, and shifting consciousness. We are all reconnecting at soul level to the unconditional self-acceptance temporarily forgotten.
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Sandra Says:
29 July 2009 at 2:43 pm.
Robin,
There is an energy shift for all of us and it will be interesting to see where we all land. Peace be with you on your new life journey. You have the love and support of all your friends to fly free towards the new. Peace
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eddie Says:
29 July 2009 at 11:19 pm.
When we gaze across a sun dappled pond in summer and become rapt with its tranquility and beauty…somewhere below the surface one creature is pursuing another in a brutal quest for survival and food.
Nature is the essence of spirit..the yin and the yan. Dark and light joined in a rythmic dance.
Robin I wish you well as you assimilate your experience.The core of the journey is in you as is the heart of nature…Robin my wish for you is peace as you assimilate your experience…
and as always thanks for sharing your insights.
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Bird Says:
30 July 2009 at 2:28 am.
Glad to hear you are back safe and have started something exciting all at the same time. I’ve often found the lasting experiences are the ones were you are really truly tested. And preparation is so hard – you can NEVER think of everything (and on occasions I haven’t even thought of the obvious things). You are right to let this one stew.
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Walter Says:
30 July 2009 at 4:48 pm.
People in Peru have long used coca tea or coca leaves to prevent altitude sickness, but since coca leaves are the source for cocaine it is not legal to use in most parts of the world.
Here are a few legal things that may help you next time.
Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Commonly named Siberian Ginseng, this plant is not of the Ginseng family. This member of the Araliaceae family was first discovered by a Russian physician (Grorovoy) who observed wild deer eating a “spikey”shrub during harsh winter conditions. Pharmacologist I.I. Brekhman experimented with swimming mice, who were able to swim 30% longer and further than controls. The “true ginseng” has been prescribed for heart disease in China for many centuries.
If you’re climbing to a height of more than 6,000 feet and you experience headache, fatigue, or nausea, you may be suffering from high-altitude sickness. To prevent an episode or speed recovery, try taking ginger. According to herbalist Christopher Hobbs, ginger is “good for both mild altitude sickness and exposure to the cold.” Put fifteen to twenty drops of ginger tincture in half a cup of water and drink.
Take care my good friend.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) I have to confess that I have been in love with the Ginkgo Tree ever since I lay under the first one I ever saw at Tanglewood, a gift from China. Little did I know that Ginkgo has such an amazing effect on the microcirulation of the brain, eyes and lungs. It is perfect for high altitude sickness, asthma, macular degeneration, dementia and any condition of tissue starvation. It also seems to be a strong inflammatory mediator, particularly in asthma and we have used it at ISIS for vertigo, tinnitis, and to protect the integrity of newly-formed blood vessels. This is the standard choice for increasing the blood flow to the brain.
http://www.theherbaladvisor.com/The_Herb_Garden_32/The_Herbal_Apothecary_F-N.shtml
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Robin Easton Says:
30 July 2009 at 5:21 pm.
You are amazing souls!!
I am just SO blown away by all the insights, ideas, caring, sharing, depth, beauty, love, brilliance, wisdom and more in these EXTRAORDINARY comments, both on this post and my last one, Alone, But Not Lonely. I’ve wanted to answer every single comment here and have felt frustrated not being able to. Work and few other unexpected occurrences have kept me away from my desk. Your comments here have been some of the most exciting I’ve ever received. You each are FILLED with compassion and insight. Your comments have actually helped me better clarify my vision quest, and not just my quest, but all challenging experiences or life-journeys. I hope to at some point do a post from many of the ideas and insights you sparked in me.
You guys are just great! The absolute best. I’ve fallen in love with you all and am just soooo amazed that I have the privilege of sharing with and learning from such an astute and caring group of souls. Each of you radiates your own unique intelligence, power and creativity and collectively you’re indomitable, a highly positive force. There really is something so amazing that happens when positive souls gather.
Next post I hope to be able to respond to your comments. Thank you for bearing with me and for all the help, encouragement and love you shared through this Journey of Soul. I will always treasure it. Always.
Love,
Robin
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Kit Says:
1 August 2009 at 9:36 pm.
Robin,
I won’t say I’m sorry that your trip didn’t work out the way you’d planned, because grieving for ideas is not the way of Nature. 
(Though, from a day-to-day human civilization standpoint, I admit I’d be pretty bummed!) You will find the true treasure of your experience, and I bet you will spend it wisely.
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Lilly Says:
2 August 2009 at 6:56 am.
Oh Robin I need to catch up on your journey. you never cease to amaze me as you are always moving forward regardless. So glad you are well and back home again. Nature is a great teacher and you will be back I am sure when the time is right. Take Care, Love Lilly xxx
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soulMerlin Says:
3 August 2009 at 1:37 am.
Hi Robin ~ It seems you have had a very opening experience. I remember once, I was on a cave expedition in the Yorkshire Dales. I had been underground for around 6 hours, in confined spaces that suddenly opened out into amazing underground caverns and then again returned to narrow letterbox tunnels that had been cut out from the limestone by water erosion. I was mostly immersed in water, but I was loving it…then gradually I became aware that I was losing control of my legs and was going into exposure conditions. This was a bit of a problem as I was around half a mile underground at the time and although I was on the return journey, it took a long time and the help of a companion, to drag me slowly along with him. For days after, whenever I closed my eyes, I saw the interior of the cave. I felt so small. I was grateful to my friend and in no doubt that I had come into the presence of nature in all it’s power. The natural god was not compassionate, nor vindictive, nor judgemental – and I found something, utterly more sacred and profound than I had found within a church or cathedral.
Your experience and ability is so much more than mine Robin, but your account has made me remember the first time I really comprehended my God.
love
henry
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Mike Foster Says:
5 August 2009 at 9:33 pm.
This sounds like a spirit walk, where you put yourself into a secluded place and then let nature, and the gods, take over. I envy your spirit, Robin, and always enjoy your enthusiasm for life and adventure. I am thrilled your trip changed your life, as long as it only enhanced what already is a wonderful one.
peace,
mike
livelife365
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Evita Says:
7 August 2009 at 12:00 pm.
Robin
I am so glad you are back, and safe and happy and even transformed – wow! You had an experience and I just LOVE what you said about seeing the perfection – it is there, in every single situation!!! And you chose to see it.
I just recently came back from my own trip at the cottage. It was glorious too and peaceful, rained almost everyday, and there were still some black flies lingering around so didn’t get to do as much hiking as I would have liked but, there is a reason for all.
I came back rejuvenated but have to tell you I want to go back so much, after 2 weeks I feel like I was just beginning to open up to what I really wanted – I guess as much nature as we get in the city it still is not the same as being surrounded by nothing except for water and trees.
Anyhow, again I am thrilled all went well – and I know I can use that word because it did
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Michelle (Artscapes) Says:
8 August 2009 at 10:59 pm.
Robin;
I had to sit with this post for a few days before I found I had something to say about it. I was in the middle of writing a comment here a few minutes ago and then the power went out. I was able to restore what I wrote and realized, I still am not sure that I have anything to offer here but a hug.
My experiences of the last week are insisting on my being Patient and not letting the obstacles tossed in my path be anything more than an attempt to get my attention. Hopefully, soon, I’ll figure out what it exactly was that my attention was required for… Enjoy the process… and take care of yourself!
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Lydia Says:
10 August 2009 at 11:57 pm.
I love that you know you are at the beginning of something. Reading your words, “I am no longer the same” makes me long for an awareness-enhancing episode like that. The fact that you could not tell us more tells us everything.
The last photo here looks like a Raven-Person. If that is you…….if that is you on this vision quest, well it stands to reason that you of course are no longer the same. Just look at your shadow!
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Dale Says:
16 September 2009 at 4:36 am.
Thank you for sharing yourself in your Grand Adventure. I agree with Lynn. In the end it is so stunningly ……….. that it can’t EVEN be shared verbally. We come very close to saying it….but, thank goodness…..it can’t be verbalized, or catagorized.
Glad to know that there are others out there on the journey walking the Path.
A Friend.
Robin Replies
Dear “Friend”, Oh, this is such a beautiful comment. It comes from one who “knows”. This did me so much good to hear this. It’s exactly how I felt. I think the deepest knowing and truth have no words. In fact, I think words desecrate these deep intimate places. I too am glad there is another on the great journey. Thank you SO much. Robin…a friend.
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