Bruresløret (Bridal Veil) waterfall (20 m./65 ft.), (also called Storulfossen),
southern Rondane Nasjonalpark, Norway. August 2010. From the Rondane National Park II-gallery.
Copyright © Seung Kye Lee and may not be used in any way without specific permission.

Rondane Nasjonalpark, the oldest national park in Norway, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. I hope that Rondane will get a lot of attention, the sort of attention that might remind people of enjoying, exploring and protecting our natural environment. In this day and age, environmental issues can seem like a huge, almost impossible task, not just on a national or international scale, but also on a personal level. We all know how it is; hear enough about suffering or a particular crisis and we come to a point where it is easier to look the other way. Think long enough about something sad and we get depressed, tired and frustrated. I believe that instead of suppressing our emotions, and our thoughts in the process, we come a long way if we allow ourselves to think things through without letting our emotions get in the way. If we respond negative to some thoughts, we automatically try to avoid those thoughts. So, instead of completely giving up on the seemingly impossible environmental issues that is often presented in the media, let`s be open to a other ways of contributing. Who knows, environment might not be exactly what you have been taught to think after all. The natural world, protecting environment; what does it mean, on a personal level?

I like being outdoors, especially in the mountains. Spend a couple of days, or a whole week, hiking in the mountains and you will understand. I like hiking. Not for the sake of reaching a destination, but for the sake of...walking. Realization. The journey.

"To achieve enlightenment one must fully devote oneself to the present,
not dream of the future or be regretful of the past"

When I walk, ski or climb, the pressure, time schedules and burning desires of everyday life gradually fades away. And slowly, the mind opens up to what is around me and for each step the senses are getting clearer and your thoughts are replaced by observation and understanding. Even time, seems to seize to exist. There is only now. It can change your life. When walking a long distance, the path will become your path, the light will be your light and the whispering wind will clear your mind. With an open and observant mind, you will see how things are perfectly connected. Everything from the tiny ants to the soaring eagles, from the flowing water to the solid rocks and between happiness and sorrow, good and bad, me and you. Those who seek, will eventually have a clear understanding of how everything and everyone, is a part of ourselves. Nature is not outside our body and minds. Nature is you, nature is me, in all of us. We are one. The soil you walk on is the same as your body, everything you sense (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, feel) is the same as your mind. This can`t be explained, it has to be experienced. This is where theory and knowledge ends, and understanding and wisdom begins. This is what environment is all about. Not to engage in environmental issues in anger, frustration or fear of the future fueled by the media or hard facts alone, but to understand, connect and love. Only by being calm, peaceful and focused inside can you do something good for others and our environment. Only when we understand how we are all connected with everything around us, are we able to live in harmony with the rest of the world and contribute to a better future. When you meet living creatures with understanding, compassion and joy, they will be affected by it. Because, we, the earth and all its living beings is one under the same sky and everything we do is a result of how we think and how we choose to live. Let life be meaningful.

Store Ula River, Rondane Nasjonalpark, Norway. June, 2009.
From the Rondane National Park-gallery.
Copyright © Seung Kye Lee and may not be used in any way without specific permission.

Many times I`ve stood on a mountain peak, looking at the world in a fantastic 360° view. Down there, the wild rivers and rumbling waterfalls looks so small and harmless. The distance of a day of heroic hiking looks like a mere baby step. I`ve felt so very small. Feeling small makes me grateful, loved and deeply touched by mother nature. In the far far distance, I can see things that I did not knew existed and how they all connect to form a vast landscape, a landscape that wildlife, plants and humans base their life upon, things that I normally only see a tiny fraction of and therefore cannot comprehend. In the same way, life is so much more than the tasks we perform in our everyday life, worries suddenly becomes insignificant and trivial in the great scheme of things and future is an endless, open space. Such moments are unique. Such moments gives rise to a deeper understanding of myself and life. It was in Rondane that I first really discovered the true joy of nature, mysteries of life and great potential of being a human. Moments when just a sip of ice cold meltwater on a hot summers day is bliss, when the last piece of bread becomes a hearty meal and when the rising sun brings tears to my eyes after a cold, lonesome night. Celebrating nature is celebrating yourself. Mother Nature is the future.
We are one...no matter where in the world you are.
Do you celebrate Mother Nature in your area? And, how?

Read all of my blog posts about Rondane→

Or, watch these slideshows containing some of my work from Rondane:
(click image to start and when slideshow starts,
click the icon in the upper right corner for fullscreen)

Rondane National Park

Rondane National Park II

Best Wishes
Seung Kye

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Related posts about Rondane: this blog (2012) / old blog (2009-2011)

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