An Urban Hike, Climbing Bierstadt, My New Morning Routine

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
— John Muir

Good morning from the top of a mountain.  I’m sitting at 8232 feet above sea level; the sun is up, the clouds are rolling in, looks like we will get some moisture today—ladies and gentlemen, a wet day here in Colorado.  It’s suitable for the water table, they say.

We packed up our pup and headed to downtown Denver; we needed to take a car for our kids arriving this morning.  We went to our condo and surprised Bay; she had just come back from Indy and caught a few morning winks.

We decided to walk the cherry creek trail, a trail we walked when we lived downtown; it had been a couple of years since we walked it; it was PVHT’s first time.  We picked up the trail at 11th and Speer and then headed to the REI mother ship.  They had redone the area creating a large swimming area at the confluence of the river.

We walked a couple of miles down, and Parker jumped in the water along with many other dogs.  She got to swim; it was cool watching her enjoy the water.  We then went to Starbucks, and I got an iced coffee. After that, we sat and watched the people; we saw a couple of masks, but almost everybody is now mask-free.

About two years ago, I organized a rotary clean-up project picking up trash on the cherry creek trail.  As we walked, both my wife and I commented it’s time to round up some troops again and clean the area.  There was a lot of trash, needles, clothes; you name it, we saw it.  I thought about calling my old friends and see if they want to spend a Saturday cleaning up the trail but then thought, this is not my home; I should let another person with a service heart take on the project. So I guess, for now, I’ll spend my service time closer to home.

We walked back to our condo and picked up our car, and headed back home.  On our way, we stopped at Brooks Place Tavern and split a club sandwich and Ceasar salad.  Our friend Lee came out and joined us, and we chatted about his recent birthday.  He and his wife spent some time in Breckenridge.

We headed home; my wife took a quick nap; I sat outside and enjoyed our view enjoying the holiday afternoon.  We ended up watching a couple of Russell Brand specials before hitting the bed at 8:00 or so. Again, we slept great; we slept in snuggling like kids in high school.

Our morning routine is set, I get up first, I make the coffee. Next, my Queen snuggles with the pup. Then, the puppy gets up and rings her bell to go outside, I plop down on my purple writing bean bag, and my wife gets up soon after that.

Today I’ll head down to meet a new friend for coffee.  I’m not sure who Simon is, but he’s on my schedule; I get many referrals, I’m open to chatting with anyone.  I enjoy when folks come my way; I’m not much for driving to the big city these days; most of my work is done close to home.

Today starts the Avett Brothers’ official run at Red Rocks.  The boys play Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; we have people coming in.  Our kids arrive today, and then we will have a house full through Sunday.  We built our home for entertainment and hosting others; this should be a great week of fellowship, joy, and happiness.

I’ve established a new routine in the morning.  I now get up, make coffee, get my Nicorette gum, sit and make soup.  I then clean up my 30 or so emails in my inbox.  Then I sit on my deck and do about 30 minutes of meditation.   It’s part of my positive intelligence work, and it helps cleanse my mind. So between mind dumping 1000 words and 30 minutes of meditation, my brain is positioned to look at everything as a gift and opportunity. 

Later today, my POD will connect to share our work, what we are learning and see if we can help each other.  I feel like I’m on a new journey of awakening and exploration.  I’m in week two of an eight-week journey; I think my mind is opening up; I’m learning new ways to control my mind and not allow my mind to control me.

I got a note from a friend that asked me to climb a fourteener.  For those not familiar with a fourteener, several mountains are over fourteen thousand feet, and one thing we Coloradoan’s like to do is challenge ourselves to climb as many as we can.  I did my first two years ago, the Friday before labor day.  Since I’m not in peak physical shape, I asked if we could push our climb to the anniversary of my first climb.  My friend agreed, so I will begin working on my body to get in good enough shape to not succumb to the treachours hike between now and then.

Paul agreed we could have up to eight people join us.  We plan to climb Bierstadt; if you want to join us, you must be in shape; we are looking for eight men and women who want to take on the challenge.  It’s one of the most challenging things I’ve done, and I’ll use this to help get rid of my couple extra pounds and get mentally prepared to climb to a point where there is little air and incredible views.  Message me if you have an interest.

I hope you had a great holiday weekend, we did, and I’m happy to be able to show back up for another work week.  I hope these words help you; I’m not sure why or how, but I’m a man living my best life, using my best self, assisting others in trying and reaching their self actualized state.  Life is a series of lessons, and if you approach each assignment as a gift and opportunity, your life will change forever.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
— John Muir