Recently, I was at the home of a friend who has done a great deal of traveling in South Asia – specifically Nepal. As an artist, her home is filled with spectacular paintings, sculptures, artifacts and treasures. Every wall, every corner, every table and every bookshelf tells the story of her life and the lives of the people she has encountered. The space is so alive – it’s as if you are transported through an intricate tale of lives and cultures – and our interconnectedness as humans.
As I wandered very slowly through this maze of vivid colors and shapes – trying to soak in every detail – I was drawn to a small photograph of what looked to be a barren and jagged mountain range. I began to get a perspective on the vastness and severity of the mountains as my eyes focused in on the tiny people and mules wandering along the narrow path in the Western Himalayas of Nepal. As I looked closer there was a large ornate gate – or door — just in front of the group. What on earth would be the purpose of such a gate – with no locks or chains — a 9-hour trek from the nearest civilization – on a virtually inaccessible road in the middle of the most severe mountains in the world?
While image was powerful – the explanation was intensely thought provoking.
According to the trekking guides, the gate was placed there hundreds of years ago as a warning to travelers. Not as a warning of impending attacks or violent tribes – but rather as a gentle warning that the road becomes more challenging ahead. This small point – on a long and difficult journey was simply meant to say, “you are welcome here – but know the difficulties of what you are about to face.”
If only life had such obvious and unavoidable warning gates.
From the time we are small children, it is easy to be lured into believing we have accurately assessed the path we are traveling and evaluated the possible challenges and pitfalls. However, as the years go by – and the older we get — do we ever get better at recognizing the signs of what lies ahead? Do we even look for them? Do we consciously ignore them…“overriding” their warning – certain we can make a better judgment?
In the weeks since my encounter with that photograph – I have spent a great deal of time looking back on my life — re-evaluating the moments where I was seemingly “blindsided” by an action, reaction or situation. Had there indeed been warning gates? Did I miss them? Did I ignore them? Did I just crash through them with no regard? I suspect I am guilty of each scenario.
While it is useless to punish ourselves for the choices we’ve made and the outcomes that followed – it is perhaps helpful to look back and gain perspective so we can better recognize – and appreciate — the gates when they appear. And most importantly – the wisdom to heed their warning – by either turning back or proceeding with proper preparation.
By Stephanie Koehler [email protected]