The human eye is designed for distance. Unfortunately, I work on a computer many hours a day using a focal length that can be measured in inches. I live in a city where my view bumps up against buildings rather than enjoying the sweep of the landscape. And when I get outside Toronto into relatively flat Ontario, my vision is stopped short by trees. That’s why I love to travel to mountains where I can stretch my eyes and really see the horizon. When I do, I’m inspired.
When I lived in western Canada, I knew the pleasure of mountains but having lived in the east for 25 years now, I had forgotten how they enrich life. In November, I rediscovered the wonder of mountains. I traveled to the Lake District where I walked for four days. Climbing the fells was not just exercise for my legs, a work-out for my heart and fresh air for my lungs, it was also a relief for my eyes. And, as my eyes drank in the view, I could think differently. I was inspired.
In January, Utah was my mountain destination. I went and volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival but the best day of my trip was skiing at The Canyons. At 10,000 feet, the views were stunning. The thin air may have contributed to the Rocky Mountain high that I felt for days afterward but the mountains served well to free my mind and inspire creativity.
It doesn’t surprise me that the famous poet, William Wordsworth, went to the Lake District of England and stayed. In the same way, it’s not surprising that the mountains of Utah are the backdrop to the Sundance Institute to support emerging and aspiring filmmakers. It’s simple; mountains are inspiring. Wordsworth once said:
Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher.
When I plan my travels, I try to include some time at a higher elevation with a view. It frees my eyes to do what they do best and, in the process, frees my mind to new inspiration. It doesn’t matter where or what – even these beautiful benches with a view will do.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What a lovely posting! And what a unique idea to write about inspiring ‘views’.
It’s funny how we don’t appreciate the little things until we leave them. I grew up on the East Coast and didn’t realize how much the ocean meant to be until I moved to Toronto.
I love climbing in the mountains. There is something about being high and looking down to the beauty of the world that makes life seem perfect. We have been climbing in the Himalayas lately and it is magnificent. The phrase “it feels like we are almost able to touch a little bit of heaven here” pops into mind quite a bit.
Ruth, since you live in an area full of amazing views, I am sure you can appreciate Janice’s take on “getting perspective.”
Ayngelina, that’s what travel more is all about: appreciating it all, big or small, close or far away.
D&D: Funny, I’ve always felt that way in amazing mountain places, both in New Zealand and Switzerland. Your photos remind me of those places, and Janice really hit the nail on the head on this one.
Since I live in Toronto like Janice, I feel what she’s saying. Ontario is kind of ‘plain’ and the land, flat. That’s why I enjoy travelling – to feel inspired and alive again!
Many thanks. *Loved* this.
And you’re so right. Just this weekend I got out of my near-sighted daily routine, up onto some moorland where I could see for miles…and looking into the distance, it felt like my entire head was relaxing: eyes, mind, furrowed brow, all of it. Delicious.
Scenery, whether mountainous or in sweeping plains or island-dotted seascapes or any of the other billion ways our planet is a joy to behold, is Big. Stretches the mind, stretches the eyes.
Much better than squinting, I say.
A very beautiful shot!
Very pretty and soothing to the eyes, honestly it almost looked like the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines. Anyway Nice story, splendid pictures, very colorful and so artistic.
Keep up the good work!!