There's something heart-stopping and, dare I say, spiritual about experiencing a sight like the Grand Canyon. It's awe-inspiring and humbling to walk to the ledge and look over the side of history into the depths of our world. From where you stand at the heights of Canyon, the rushing Colorado River looks like a tiny trickling stream and the clouds look like they're napping on the flat tops of the rock formations. Ravens play on the wind, swooping into protective nooks and crannies and then swooping back out to dance and swirl around.
The Canyon is so big, so vast, that it's hard not to recognize how small we really are. And yet, before We were even on this planet, time and water and wind were shaping and forming this land by doing nothing more than what they were created to do. And I wonder: can I have an impact like that, too? One of adjusted proportions, of course. But if I do those things that I was created to do, if I am me and nothing else, can I create beauty like that?
I believe I can.
I hope I am right.
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7 comments:
What an amazing picture and explanation. I have been to the Grand Cayon before, many years ago. From your explanation though I think I have to go back and look at it from a different perspective!
I've seen it and it truly is grand. Don't know about my own impact...hoping for a little meteorite-type hole? :)
You know what is so sad, Ami? I lived in Yuma, AZ for 3 years, which is only about a 5-6 hour drive to the Grand Canyon. And did I visit? No, not once. My priorities were askew back then (actually, they're askew now, but in a different way).
But I get this very same feeling--the one where you suddenly realize how very tiny you are in comparison to the rest of the planet, not to mention the Universe, and how we are all just a mere blip in time if you think about how long this place has actually been around.
I am sure you can have an impact on the world and create beauty. In fact, I think creating beauty was one of the reasons we were placed here in the first place. If only the cynics and nature destroyers would get that, too, there'd be peace on earth, I am sure of it.
Also, you are formally invited to my writer's ashram. Or I will come pick you up and we'll go to Angie's. Apparently, she has one in Louisiana or somewhere every year. We'll grab P and Kat along the way. Or better yet, we'll just all descend upon Kat's mountain, unannounced, and set up camp in her living room.
I am going to get myself kicked out of many writer's clubs.
:-D
That post brought back all the awe I felt standing there watching the sun set over the canyon. The light bouncing off the walls. It was amazing to see how the shadows shifted as the sun sank lower and it felt like it suddenly came alive. I stared completely awestruck. I never believed people when they said how awesome it was and I was expecting to be disappointed. Wow, was I wrong.
Yes, I've been too. And, its amazing. Pictures never do it justice- although this one gets close. We hiked 12 miles when I was there last. The last 1.5 mile was in the dark. It was life altering. My goal this year is to hike rim to rim. Thanks for reminding me!
Lisa
Over Coffee - I'd highly recommend it!
Angie - I went to the Meteor Crater, too, and it was pretty big. I'd say if you make an impact that size you're doing pretty good!
Amy - My sister has been in AZ for 3 years (about 5 hours from the GC) and she hadn't seen it either. And I lived 3 hours from Niagra Falls for the first 24 years of my life and still haven't seen them. You're not the only one... I agree that we were created to create beauty in the world, and I can't wait for that ashram, wherever it ends up happening. :)
Erin - I felt the same way. I didn't realize how truly awe inspiring it would be and was sure it would be disappointing. I'm so glad I didn't let that keep me from going.
Lisa - I wish I could have hiked more, but my companions weren't up for it. And it was COLD! I'd love to go back and do the rim hike, though.
yes! awesome. the grand canyon is awesome. :)
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