Although the majority of people go on holiday by the sea, the mountain retains an undeniable charm .
It is no coincidence that saints, mystics, hermits of all ages and religious faiths, at some point in their existence, retired to high ground; it is no coincidence that the divinity often makes its voice heard in those very places .
Undeniably, in fact, the mountain embodies profound and ancestral symbolism: exile from the chaos of the world, closeness to the gods, the majesty of nature, distancing from controversies and material pains.
Borrowing the words of the scholar Jon Kabat Zinn : " Mountains are sacred places and humanity has always sought spiritual guidance and renewal. The mountain is the symbol of the original axis of the Earth (Mount Meru), the seat of the gods (Mount Olympus), the place where the spiritual leader meets God and receives the Commandments (Mount Sinai). The mountains convey a sense of sacredness and personify fear and harmony, harshness and majesty. Raise above the rest of the world, their very presence attracts and looms. Their nature is primitive ".
Therefore meditation also finds a favorite space in the mountains.
An alternative holiday in a mountain of meditation
From our introduction a natural scenario is evident as the mountain is the ideal setting for both yoga and meditation.
Above all this last practice, which can sometimes be difficult and elusive, will be greatly facilitated by the change of atmosphere.
The subtle air, the deep silence, the incomparable beauty of nature are all precious nutrients of our soul that we rarely experience in everyday life.
For this reason we want to give you an inspiration: have you ever thought of giving yourself a vacation, even a short one, in the mountains to dedicate yourself to meditation?
If there are surveys in your region, you don't even need to make big moves. Otherwise, our peninsula is rather mountainous, so long journeys should generally not be necessary.
In any case, you can find out about the chosen area and try to look for demonstrations. For example, we often organize walking meditations, chanting of mantra at altitude or contemplation at dawn or dusk .
By now these practices are quite widespread especially in the most prestigious resorts or in those open to this type of practice which are increasingly numerous and organized.
Does the idea of a group disturb you? Do you prefer a more reserved and disconnected experience from "institutional" contexts? We also have a proposal for you: nothing prevents us from dedicating ourselves to meditation in an autonomous, solitary and self-managed way . Some of our advice will help you find the right strategies!
Breathwalking, how to walk with the awareness of one's breath
Small guide to meditate in the mountains
Here is therefore a vademecum for you mountain meditators who seize (quite rightly) the opportunity to dedicate yourself to the practice in a breathtaking scenario:
- You can choose to meditate during a moment of rest, perhaps after reaching your peak. The fundamental thing is to find a place far from the chaos of the shelters or the comings and goings of the walkers. A corner immersed in silence and preferably in the shade (if the sun is insistent).
- Find a space where you can sit comfortably, preferably on the grass or on a cozy boulder. You can choose to place yourself in front of a landscape that suits you, or near a water source; it is important that you feel immersed in a comfortable, calm environment, wrapped in its sounds, scents, sensations .
- Once you've settled in, start focusing on your breath with your eyes closed. Relax all the muscles of the body and slow the flow of mental activity. At this point, after a longer or shorter period depending on your experience, you will slip into meditation in which you will remain immersed all the time you want. If you prefer to be accompanied during the practice, see the video at the bottom of the article with our proposal, on the subject:
These steps can be repeated several times during the day, perhaps varying the landscapes, the views, the settings. Day after day the practice will become easier, more satisfying and more nutritious.
Meditation will enrich your vacation and maybe sprout the seed of constancy that will help you keep this good habit even when you get back from vacation.
