The only reason we don’t open our hearts and minds to other people is that they trigger confusion in us that we don’t feel brave enough, or sane enough, to deal with.
To the degree that we look clearly and compassionately at ourselves, we feel confident and fearless about looking into someone else’s eyes.
~ Pema Chodron
I was ready to kill him.
The hike was 4 miles in, 4 miles out. Up to a supposedly breathtaking panoramic view of the Methow Valley. Out beyond those acres and acres of scorched trees lay our destination. Somewhere.
The hike began on paths winding through arched fields of sunflowers and towering pines, the sky a cerulean blue. We felt giddy with the beauty of it all. Then came a steep and exhausting switchback. Hot and dusty, I kept thinking, It’s just around the corner. Keep going, the ridge will be just around the corner.
Not even close.
