
The Mountain
Accessibility
Audio is a spoken version of the article. Text is on this page.
Child
When you stand on the Mountain, you can see more.
You are still inside what is going on. You are still playing, talking, learning, or dealing with something. From here, it is easier to see what is unfolding instead of feeling stuck inside one feeling.
On the Mountain, the experience spreads out.
You can see where things feel easy and where they start to feel tricky. You can notice the moment when something bothers you or feels uncomfortable. You can also notice when something feels fun, exciting, or happy.
The Mountain helps you see the experience while you are still inside it.
You do not have to stop what you are doing. You simply look from a place where more of the experience is visible. That makes it easier to understand why something feels hard or why it feels really good.
From here, you can notice when your body feels tight or when your feelings get big. You can also notice when you feel calm, playful, or steady again.
The Mountain does not tell you what to feel or what to do.
It helps you see clearly so you can keep going in a way that feels better.
The Mountain is a place for seeing and understanding.
That is what the Mountain is.
© Original work by Rev. Tina M. Adkins.
Teen
Standing on the Mountain, the view opens.
You are still inside the experience. Nothing has stopped. You are still talking, moving, and dealing with what is unfolding. From here, you can see the shape of the experience instead of being caught inside a single moment of it.
On the Mountain, the experience spreads out in front of you.
You can see where it moves easily and where it starts to tighten. You can see the exact point where something lands differently than expected—where pressure shows up, where an assumption slips in, where reaction replaces response.
You can also see where the experience feels good.
From here, moments of fun, relief, or excitement are visible. You can see what led up to laughter, ease, or satisfaction. Those moments are not random. They unfold because of how the experience is being met.
The Mountain gives you perspective while you are still participating.
You do not have to wait until later. The moment you register that bothered me or that felt really good, you can take this view without stepping away from the situation. You remain part of what is unfolding. The difference is that you can see more of it at once.
From the Mountain, you can notice when you are bracing, assuming, or reacting automatically. You can also notice when you are relaxed, open, and moving with what is occurring instead of against it.
The Mountain does not tell you what to do.
It gives you enough clarity to decide how you want to continue participating.
Sometimes that clarity feels calm. Sometimes it feels direct. Either way, it gives you more choice.
That is what the Mountain offers.
© Original work by Rev. Tina M. Adkins.

