CLIMBING: Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible,

Kalymnos, View from the room,
originally uploaded by inahill.

...and without desire.
The reality of your own nature should determine the speed.
If you become restless,
speed up. If you become winded, slow down.
You climb the mountain in equilibrium
between restlessness and exhaustion.
Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead,
footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself.
This leaf has gagged edges. This rock looks loose.
From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer.
These are the things you should notice anyway.
To live only for some future goal is shallow.
It's the sides of the mountain which sustains life, not the top.