A Second Change

Past Friday presented a full moon. We have had quite a long streak of strong winds and changeable weather the past weeks and this new moon we hoped would bring a pleasant improvement. That was partly the motive for deciding to go for a dip under the moonlight in the Señoret Channel just south of Puerto Natales where it runs into the Golf of Almirante Montt. This event was born in a Yoga Association meeting when Michelle had received a message that motivated her do something as refreshing and purifying – though quite odd around here – as is Sea bathing at this time of year. I immediately joined in and Friday night we brought crokks and warm chai along with blankets to the lighthouse that marks the entrance of the Channel where the beach is sandy and presents less stones. We defied the cold and the wind screaming and rejoicing our courage as we dipped our bodies in the cold water. As a touch of faith the otherwise hidden moon appeared from behind the clouds at this very moment lighting our path and our necked silhouettes. We felt the freedom and spirit of the pioneer as the cold water surrounded our physical body bringing an unexplainable amount of energy to the brain. The sensation afterwards was explosive. Immediate warmth was generated as the body counter reacted the shock to an extend where neither of us no longer felt the cold wind on our bare skin. We felt totally cleansed and inspired as we - the 3 Patagonian Vikings – sat back in the car, dried and hot, sharing the chai. We had succeeded in welcoming the full moon connecting with the elements, innovated ourselves and created a recurring event. This is to be repeated…

This new energy brought along new insights and clarity helping me to prioritize and chose where to place my energy and conscience at this moment. Sunday I went for a hike. This time it wasn’t as planned as my prior outing, in fact the idea was formed on Saturday and decided Sunday morning, as I felt the need to establish and physically feel the current state of my right leg. Was all the different focuses during my rehabilitation really paying off in some way. Was my efforts improving not only my strength but also and maybe even more importantly - the confidence and connection with my leg.

After midday Gabi and I sat out to conquer the Sierra Dorotea: the low mountain range that towers up in my backyard. The mountain range I observe and am marveled by daily as it changes in color and appearance according to the weather conditions. A mountain range that is teaching me not always to look at the entity as a whole but rather to look closer at the smaller objects that brings together the entire aspect of the whole range revealing its true beauty and the power and beauty of creation. The mountain range that, since we moved here, has converted itself into my guru with whom I share name, who constitutes power, mystery and diversity and who represents great knowledge, adaptation and patience. It has easy approach but immediately challenges you with its steep slopes and the exposure to the elements, specifically the strong winds making you feel very tiny and fragile. You become aware of the violation of your comfort zone as part of you are arguing to turn around. I remember these mental contradictions and am happy to finally experience the internal challenge. The battle however I won long ago when I started travelling alone, and it takes me close to no time to remind myself of this victory and let go of the fear. It felt so liberating and I started to smile. This is what I have longed for.

We sit down for a short while as we reach the small nothofagus forest and are sheltered for a while as we share a cup of tea. Below us a buzzard eagle passes by shortly before a great condor does the same. God I have missed this. I am marveled by the beautiful symbiosis of the flora, at the traces of puma and the marine fossils we encounter walking along the ridge at an altitude of approx. 700 m.a.s.l. At the different sediment stratos of the mountain range clearly distinguishable and layered as a pie, and exposed to us by the eternal action of erosion. From the top incredible views of Puerto Natales and the surrounding waters, terrains, terraces and mountains (today hidden in the low-hanging clouds) is telling the relatively recent history of origin and formation during the last ice age maximum extent some 20.000 +/- years ago.

To me, Dorthe Beldal, I had been given a second change. I felt blessed and free… The wind hitting my face was cleaning me and my memory, blowing away some of the past experiences, bad energy and thoughts.

Thank you!