“When we reach the mountain summits we leave behind us all the things that weigh heavily down below on our body and our spirit. We leave behind all sense of weakness and depression; we feel a new freedom, a gentle exhilaration, an exaltation of the body no less than of the spirit. We feel a great joy
The religion of the mountain is in reality the religion of joy, of the release of the soul from the things that weigh it down and fill it with a sense of weariness, sorrow and defeat. The religion of joy realises the freedom of the soul, the soul’s kinship to the great creative spirit, and its dominance over all the things of sense…
The mountains uphold us, and the stars beckon us. The mountains of our lovely land will make a constant appeal to us to live the higher life of joy and freedom.”
Field-Marshall Jan Christian Smuts
This echoes the sentiments of some of the lines of our national anthem:
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika.
Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
Lord, bless Africa
May her spirit rise high up
Hear thou our prayers
Lord bless us.
Lord, bless Africa
Banish wars and strife
Lord, bless our nation
Of South Africa.
Ringing out from our blue heavens
From our deep seas breaking round
Over everlasting mountains
Where the echoing crags resound …
http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/anthem.htm
Mountains play a dominant role in the history of our country.
These can be the metaphors for the mountains that each one of us have to climb. Sometimes we need the courage to take risks, to start that climb. And that ascent may be very tough as are the decisions along the way. At any point, do we wait until conditions improve? Is it wise to turn back? And sometimes it is great to share the moment of summit with a guide.
A good coach can help you to have the courage to incorporate mountains, summits and great joy into your life.
For more information on executive coaching or keynote speaking please contact Brenda on brenda@146.66.90.172 or +27 82 4993311.