Thursday 20 October 2011

TABLE MOUNTAIN - MY INSPIRATION!

A fortress, a sleeping goddess, the stairway to heaven, guardian of Cape Town, a warrior and watcher of the south. It lends itself to being the central character in many strange tales from the furthest south-west point in Africa.

This is my inspiration....

As life continues we seem to find some places more attractive towards deep thought than others. Some places, in fact, seem to encourage thoughts and inspire great insights – in short; they are places of power and enlightenment.

This is one of those places.....

Table Mountain is a special place. It is not only an icon for the Western Cape and South Africa, but also a spiritual centre that uplifts those who live and work in its shadow, and who take to the mountain for recreation and to escape the shackles of everyday life. Nowhere else in the world is there such a dramatic mountain only minutes from the centre of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. The mountain is majestic, moody and alluring.

It is hard to describe the feeling you get as you summit the top of the mountain, although not a very high mountain, it still rejuvenates the soul.
One feels the energy that vibrates from the rocks below your feet, the quietness around, the faint trickle of water and the freshness of being where not many people get to.
Towering over the city, knowing you in one of the most beautiful places in the world....The city below your feet vibrates tears of struggle, cries of laughter, noise of everyday life, frustrated energy and you yet again are reminded of life’s journey and that it is worth living to the fullest......
You are on top of the world....the best place to be, the only place you want to be, and take time to refresh your soul, your life, your thoughts and just appreciate and be yourself!......you feel the smile come to your face!

Flat topped like a table, often covered in thick clouds that look like a tablecloth, the mountain invites climbers, hikers and cable car goers to enjoy unparalleled views of Cape Town. It is Cape Town’s favourite natural monument and great landmark.
A mountain with such diversity can inspire you in so many ways. From the valleys of unspoilt fynbos - a world heritage site, the sheer rock cliff faces to climb, gushing waterfalls to gaze at, slow trickling streams to fill up your water bottle, the lush indigenous forests to provide shade ( Hobbit country – is what we call it!)....deep fascinating caves to explore, Disa’s flowering in February, historic reservoirs and waterworks museum, narrow gorges to scramble up and many stories untold to listen to......there is something for every mood.

 It seems that time stands still on the mountain, as you take in all the energy and beautiful scene’s.... One can sit on a rock for hours. Maybe this is why Capetonian’s don’t worry about the times as much as they should!.....It’s the fresh mountain air that gets to them.

Although there is an abundance of beauty, one should never take the mountain for granted.....
As the clouds move quickly but majestically over the table top, one gets an overwhelming desire of its unpredictable behaviour.  The well worn path ahead disappears into the mist and what once looked familiar turns to fear and the unknown as the harsh rock faces tower over you and the path under your feet disappears......
This is the feeling that should rather be avoided.....always walk with an experienced guide.

From choosing a route, whether it is to scramble, to walk, to run, to climb or to just sit on a rock and see no one for miles, feel the peacefulness and calmness around  and absorb the energy the mountain vibrates....just do it!
Take the time out to unwind, to relax, to inspire your soul, to enlighten yourself, to explore, to breathe fresh air, to feel free!