St. John of the Mountains

Posted on January 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

In a book that could be subtitled, “An Ode to John Muir,” the author of “Biodesign Out For A Walk” whimsically referred to Muir as “St. John of the Mountains.” After further review, perhaps he was not being whimsical and Muir’s elevation to sainthood may not be an unrealistic overreach. As a highly literate man, Muir was likely aware that his philosophy was closely related to St. Francis of Assisi and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Both men were devout Nature lovers and described all matters natural as the handiwork of God.

Denis Williams wrote in his book, God’s Wilds: John Muir’s Vision of Nature (College Station: Texas A&M Univ. Press):

“Muir saw nature as a great teacher, ‘revealing the mind of God,’ and this belief became the central theme of his later journeys and the “subtext” of his nature writing.”

Muir joined Henry Thoreau and R.W. Emerson in a brotherhood of naturalists who believed that a quintessential component of becoming fully human involved transcending the confining bonds of logic, reason and egoism in order to be spiritually born: Ergo, Mystery remains Supreme.

Perhaps it is also not a reach to deduce that if Muir had been a member of the Roman Catholic Church, he would have been canonized long ago. However, the reality is that he regarded the universe as his church and being the free spirit that he was, chose not to identify with any sectarian branch of religion:

“Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water tanks the people’s cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.”

*Photo: Matt Stoecker*
*(Inlaid Photo: I.W. Taber)*

Even so, as a child, he had memorized much of the Holy Bible and his writing often reflected Holy Scripture; as in the case of Psalm 8:

“When I consider Thy heavens,

the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars,

which Thou hast ordained;

What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?” KJV

He also frequently sowed spiritual seeds with writings:

“From the dust of the earth, from the common elementary fund, the Creator has made Homo sapiens.”

“I used to envy the father of our race, dwelling as he did in contact with the new-made fields and plants of Eden; but I do so no more, because I have discovered that I also live in “creation’s dawn.’”

“In God’s wildness lies the hope of the world—the great fresh, unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off and the wounds heal ere we are aware.”

Sometimes his words and deeds can be considered downright evangelical:

“I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature’s loveliness. Heaven knows that John the Baptist was not more eager to get all of his fellow sinners into the Jordan than I to baptize all of mine in the beauty of God’s mountains.”

One of the prerequisites of achieving sainthood is an act of performing a miracle. Because Muir was such a spiritual giant, few would argue that his life, works and legacy have provided inspiration, comfort, even healing for countless millions of people, many of whom have had Nature-induced “born-again experiences.” His lofty vision of the importance of “eco-spirituality” has spread globally. Through his inspiration and guidance countless thousands of national, state and regional parks (and nature preserves) have been established worldwide. After Muir’s famous “camp-out” with Teddy Roosevelt on top of Yosemite’s Glacier Point, Roosevelt signed into existence five national parks, 18 national monuments, 55 national bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, and 150 national forests. Millions of acres have been set-aside for the primary purpose of encouraging people to reconnect with Mother Nature.

“Everybody needs beauty…places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.” JM

Muir is arguably the world’s greatest naturalist and helped identify and define man’s ultimate relationship with Nature; including a possible relationship with God. Although he would scoff at the idea of being considered for canonization, he clearly qualifies for the ecumenically equivalent status of sainthood.

The final line in his marvelous story about his little wonder-dog Stickeen was:

“To me Stickeen is immortal!”

In what has become a quintessential irony, it is truly John Muir who has become immortal in the hearts and minds of countless millions of Nature lovers around the world.

“St. John of the Mountains” has a nice ring to it.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

John Muir—Total Lunar Eclipse Over Half Dome And Beyond

Posted on January 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Among perhaps the three greatest American Naturalists, John Muir was clearly the wildest. He “walked-the-walk and talked-the-talk” throughout vast areas of unspoiled wilderness. He experienced and described marvels, wonders and miracles that R.W. Emerson and H.D. Thoreau could not envision in their widest imagination. Emerson chose to write from the comfort of his office desk. Thoreau attempted to ascend Mt. Katahdin (5200 ft.), got lost in the fog and wrote: …“I fear bodies, I tremble to meet them. What is this Titan that has possession of me?”

Muir easily walked the equivalent of around the world and the list of mountains that he climbed is extraordinary; including Mt. Whitney (14,500 ft.), Mt. Shasta (14,100 ft.), Mt. Rainer (14, 411 ft.).

Even though he walked the world over, Muir’s favorite “temple” was Yosemite Valley, which he boldly proclaimed kept him in a constant state of elevated physical, mental and spiritual transcendence. Evidently, over 700 St. Helena High School advanced biology students agreed, especially those who participated in a total lunar eclipse on the top of Yosemite’s Half Dome.

After 24 years of leading high school students into Yosemite’s wilderness, it seemed as though Mother Nature saved one of her finest synchronicities for our last trip. Each year students were challenged to get as close to the living spirit of Muir as they could. Some experienced a “John Muir baptism” under Nevada Fall. Many slept under the stars on top of Half Dome (when it was legal). One class slept through a snowstorm; one class descended the Half Dome cables in a freak ice storm. It seemed to help that they had previously read about Muir’s escapades: a face-to-face encounter with a Yosemite bear; climbing a swaying fir tree in a windstorm; “scoochering” out on a ledge under the brow of a flooding Yosemite Fall; body-surfing an avalanche; inching across an ice bridge on an Alaskan glacier; frolicking during a major earthquake in Yosemite Valley; and wallowing all night (14 hours) in a Mt. Shasta fumarole during a snow storm.

The fall of 1996 proved to be our last trip to Yosemite. We camped at Little Yosemite Valley and planned a day-hike to explore the top of Half Dome. After a wondrous afternoon, the sun began to set and a small group of mostly boys approached me with a bold request. We had discussed the total lunar eclipse that was predicted that evening and I mentioned that we could not stay on top because descending the cables in the dark was not a risk I could take.

However, the group leader informed me that they had all brought along headlights and reminded me that chaperone Mark Salvestrin was a skilled wilderness guide. Furthermore, he was also a gifted Nature photographer who might be able to capture some of the magic of the eclipse. During our pre-trip studies, we learned that some Scots still believe in “Kything,” (communicating with the dead). One of the boys suggested that he had checked with Muir’s spirit and he agreed they should stay for the show. The group erupted with laughter, but I wondered if, in his clever ploy, the boy might have been on to something.

Whether in print or verbally, Muir enthusiastically credited a “Heavenly Creator” for guiding his life. Understandably, he was perplexed by fellow wilderness trekkers who put their trust in a small brass compass with a magnetic needle, but remained unaware of spiritual guidance from a Higher Power. Intriguingly, before I encountered the “Spirit of Muir,” I was in that company. As a “science” teacher, I had little (if any) interest in religious discourse and without him I probably would have lived my life agreeing with the great Stephen Hawking, (“The Great Design”) …God has become obsolete.

Thankfully, in direct opposition, Muir’s extraordinary theological interpretation of Yosemite: “a place to play and a place to pray” radically transformed my life and led me to the conclusion that he remains as a spiritual bridge between Heaven and Earth.

In the end I was swayed by the students’ tenacity and agreed that I would lead one group down to Little Yosemite Valley and Mark would lead the eclipse gazers down after dark.

After returning to camp, it was immediately clear that participating in a total lunar eclipse on top of Half Dome would become a totally, “you have to go there to know there” experience. The gazers effused enthusiasm as they absorbed the fact that they would not likely ever see an event like that again in their entire lifetime. They confirmed what Muir claimed that Nature never disappoints and always offers more that we expect.

Mark’s photo conjures up wonderful questions about mysteries of Muir’s “Heavenly Creator.” So, just what is it that makes lunar eclipses so intriguing? After all, in terms of gravitation, nothing unusual occurs: no changes in tidal rhythm or abnormal weather patterns.

On the other hand, there is a lot of space “out there” and when we consider the synchronicity of variables necessary for the Earth, Sun and Moon to align perfectly, it boggles the mind.

Our moon revolves around the Earth every 29.5 days and due to a mysterious “synchronous rotation” it keeps the same face turned toward the Earth.
The Earth’s rotational velocity at the equator is about 1,000 mph; San Francisco is moving approximately 700 mph and the velocity at the poles is zero.
The Earth is revolving around the sun at about 67,000 mph.
Our Solar System is traveling through the Milky Way Galaxy at 45,000 mph.
The Milky Way Galaxy is moving approx. 1,000,000 mph through “NOTHING!” Well, except for some widely scattered hydrogen ions.
We are headed for the constellation Hercules, but not to worry. It is over 1 million light years away and the distance that light travels is about 6 trillion miles per year. Therefore, we will have to travel 131,000,000,000,000,000 miles to get there.

Stories like these send chills down my spine when I contemplate that I could have missed 24 years of John Muir guiding my amazingly curious students on inner spiritual journeys via wilderness adventures. It is heartbreaking to know that very few of our public school children from K-grad-school will experience what Muir was writing about.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

Ansel Adams-Horsetail Fall-Lori Evensen-Biodesign ‘79

Posted on March 13, 2017 Leave a Comment

Although I have never met Dr. Michael Adams, son of Ansel Adams, our spirits were recently engaged in a splendid synchronicity that began nearly 40 years ago. It involves a revolutionary advanced biology class that I was privileged to participate in at St. Helena High School in the Napa Valley. It was revolutionary because the students elected to eschew the traditional practice of memorizing all the parts of a fetal pig in exchange for exploring the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of Yosemite, Grand Canyon and the Mendocino Coastal area.

The class was dedicated to, “the illimitable freedom of the human mind.” Instead of pigs, we considered the great biological scholars, sages, poets, philosophers and artists, including world-famous photographer Ansel Adams. We kept two different coffee-table-format books of his photography in the biology classroom. The evolution of the class was the result of teacher-student collaboration as evinced by this blog.

The great biologist, Louis Pasteur, opined, “chance favors the prepared mind” and we spent much pre-trip time and effort preparing our minds. E. g, before the Yosemite trip, the students were expected to read, “The Wilderness World Of John Muir,” edited by Edwin Teale. Along with wonderful stories and ecological wisdom, the book includes an illuminating chapter on John Muir’s philosophy. Students were also required to select an appropriate topic for an expository essay.

The Class of 1979 included Lori Evensen, a very bright, very curious, highly talented artist. Not surprisingly, she chose Ansel Adams as the subject of her essay. At the end she credited Adams for inspiring her to continue her artwork. She also mentioned that it was now a dream of hers to meet him and perhaps attend one of his Yosemite photography workshops.

Her essay was so spirit-filled that I shared it with Mike Snowden, colleague, fellow-hiker and backpacker. As he read, he laughed out loud and exclaimed, “I know Ansel Adams! In fact, I have spent several weekends in his home and even helped him in his darkroom. My aunt Gerry (Sharpe) was his “Girl Friday” and served as his assistant for many years.”

He went on to say that his aunt and Mom (Jane Snowden) have several of Adams’ original prints, which are quite valuable. He also mentioned that Adams was very gregarious and would probably welcome a visit from an aspiring young photographer. I was astounded by the conversation, but doubted that it would yield any results. However, Mike called either his aunt or Adams and arranged a suitable time for a visit. Apparently, along with his willingness to share his artistic philosophy, he was planning to demonstrate some of his darkroom skills. A mutual friend of ours owned a small airplane and volunteered to fly Lori down to Carmel, Ca. for the day. All was in order. Sadly, however, a few weeks before the scheduled visit, Adams suffered a heart attack and all scheduled meetings had to be canceled.

Lori graduated and I taught for 20 more years until I retired. After several years of reflecting on the mystery, wonder (even small miracles) experienced during 63 trips into the wilderness, I decided to attempt to write a book and share a sample of the student discoveries.

Shortly after “Biodesign Out For A Walk” was released, we created a website to expand our reader base. A couple of years ago, I started writing blogs for the site. After a friend shared a photo of this year’s luminous reappearance of Yosemite’s mystical “Horsetail Fall,” I decided to write a blog about it. Of course, I had no foreknowledge that, while viewing a Youtube video on the extraordinary fall, Michael Adams would appear and complete this fantastic synchronicity.

I sent Lori a copy of that letter and assumed that the multifaceted synchronicity was complete. It was not! Recently, without knowing what I was thinking, she began sorting through a collection of her high school memorabilia. Much to her delight and surprise, she discovered a letter from Ansel Adams that she had totally forgotten. She was not alone. Even though the letter was addressed to me, I also had no memory of it.

Although the letter is intriguing, perhaps more importantly, it reveals the quintessence of Adams. He was facing a potentially life-threatening open-heart surgery, yet cared enough about a total stranger (high school student) to express his regrets and offer her hope for a possible post-surgery meeting. The meeting never happened, however, his spirit has become immortalized in both Lori and my hearts.

I sent a modified version of this story to Dr. Adams, expressing my deep appreciation and gratitude for the inspiration his father provided for our students and me.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

Yosemite Horsetail Fall-Quintessence-Aristotle

Posted on March 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

“So you went to the Louvre:

What did you see?

After the first Artist

Only the copyist.” – Renny Russel: “On The Loose.”

It is intriguing to wonder what the Ahwahnechee Indians must have thought when they observed Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall. It is quite likely that, because of when, where and how they lived, they understood the mysterious event better that the Greeks and modern scientists. Perhaps they thought “The Great Spirit” was offering them a gift of water that could morph into liquid gold, then into liquid fire and return to water.

Before the periodic chart was developed, Empedocles proposed that the known universe was made out of four “elements;” earth, water, air and fire. Aristotle added a fifth element, aether; it has been called akasha in India and quintessence in Europe. Quintessence emerged with a plethora of supporting synonyms, which include, heaven, spirit and soul. Perhaps not surprisingly, the concept of the five elements formed a basis of analysis in both Hinduism and Buddhism .

With that as background, it is not surprising that thousands of Nature lovers flock to Yosemite Valley each February, in hopes of being lucky enough to see the illuminated Horsetail Fall. Aristotle would have rejoiced and properly pointed out that the stunning spectacle was caused by the “5 elements,” earth (rock), water, air, fire and aether.

The potential of being thrilled by the beauty of the event is enhanced by the fact that it is a complex, illusive synchronicity. All five elements have to converge at a precise time and place in Yosemite Valley. The sky must be clear, atmospheric conditions must be ideal; the necessary amount of water present and the setting sun must be at the perfect angle of inclination. Typically, this can only happen during a few days each February when the illuminated water can cascade down nearly 2,000 feet to Yosemite Valley.

Early concessioners at Yosemite must have seen the February spectacle and lamented that it did not occur more regularly and thus attract more tourists. By 1872 a road had been built to Glacier Point and soon after, concessioners began building a huge bonfire each afternoon. They piled on large chunks of red fir bark, which is a natural insulator and somewhat fire resistant. By 9:00 PM each evening, the fiery embers were shoved over Glacier Point in what was called “The Fire Falls.”

This practice continued nearly 100 years, but was terminated in 1968. Although the show was impressive to many, to seasoned Nature lovers, there was an unsettling sense of ersatz about it. Simply put, it was impossible for a fire to spontaneously combust in the afternoon and then fling itself over a cliff after nightfall; not to mention the huge waste of logs and fir bark.

As camping, hiking, backpacking and ecotourism became more popular, YNP properly concluded that the Fire Fall had an unnatural, Disney Land, feel about it.

Perhaps, on a deeper level, they realized that it was impossible for man to “improve” Yosemite’s “quintessence.”

The people who flock to Horsetail Fall each February may or may not be overtly spiritual people. However, the mere fact that they are responding to one of Mother Nature’s more extraordinary displays suggests an inner sense of awe, wonder and spiritual curiosity.

I don’t recall John Muir mentioning the fiery version of Horsetail Fall. However, if he did see it, I can imagine him raising his arms to heaven, like a Baptist Preacher, and exulting, “Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory for ever and ever, amen!”

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

Happy 2017 with Michelangelo and John Muir

Posted on January 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

Michelangelo is widely regarded as the most famous artist of the Italian Renaissance. If his goals in life had been lower, the world would never have known his “David” and “Pieta” statues and the Sistine Chapel frescoes. He was a painter, architect and sculptor and dedicated his life to getting as close to the creative power of God as he could. The fact that his works have been enjoyed and celebrated by countless millions of people, for over 500 years, indicates that he may have come pretty close. His lifelong philosophy paralleled that of John Muir, who also set some very lofty goals. After he nearly blinded himself in a factory accident, he vowed to forgo studying the works of man and dedicate his life “studying the works of God.”

We hope 2017 is filled with many physical, mental and spiritual hikes and ends with you standing on higher ground than you are standing on today.

Lowell & Christie

Heaven and Earth

Posted on November 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

“I used to envy the father of our race, dwelling as he did in contact with the new-made fields and plants of Eden; but I so no more, because I have discovered that I also live in ‘creation’s dawn.’ The morning stars still sing together, and the world, not yet half made, becomes more beautiful every day.” John Muir

Like so many of Muir’s power-packed-paragraphs, there is a cartload of wisdom in this one. In two simple declarative sentences, he is acknowledging, thanking and communing with God. Furthermore, he is tacitly suggesting that the words “evolution” and “creation” are one and the same.

Darwin’s, “The Origin of Species,” was published in 1859. Muir was 21, but after 50 years of researching his works, I have not found one reference to Darwin. I suspect that he would have regarded the so-called “great debate” of Creation vs. the theory of evolution a superfluous waste of time.

I find it intriguing that often, when John Muir lovers discover that he carried a pocket version of “The New Testament and Psalms” with him on his excursions, they become vexed, even defiant. I suspect, that in an effort to conform to “political correctness,” even USPS “interpretive naturalists” religiously ignore Muir’s depth of Christian spirituality (pun intended). Perhaps they do not know (or care) that, as a mechanical engineer, Muir regarded Yosemite as nothing less than one of God’s most “glorious” creations.

Unlike me ;o), Muir knew all of the Psalms by heart and I cannot help but think that he was the superb embodiment of Psalm 8. I know of no other naturalist who approached this level of perfection and therefore it is not surprising that many consider him the world’s greatest naturalist.

To that point, watching the ecological destruction of Planet Earth, if Muir were alive today, I am not so sure he would still think:

“The morning stars still sing together, and the world, not yet half made, becomes more beautiful every day.”

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

John Muir’s High Altar

Posted on October 3, 2016 1 Comment

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Many of the older Scots claim that they can communicate spiritually with deceased family members and friends by a process they call “kything.” If this is so, I am guessing that John Muir recently did the Scottish version of the “dance of joy” in his heavenly habitation (“God And The Angels Be True”).

Muir believed that Yosemite’s Half Dome was a high altar, appropriately situated at the east end of what he regarded as a natural cathedral, seven miles long by one mile wide. Altars are natural or man-made shrines that have been consecrated by the hearts of men for the purpose of religious or spiritual ceremonies or events. Muir expressed deep concern that many have forfeited their God-given gift of spiritual celebrations at these altars. Although regular church attendance in the US may be declining, for those who make the 5,000 ft. climb up to the top of Half Dome, it is not uncommon for them to triumphantly raise their arms.

With this being so, Mark Salvestrin recently committed a personal rite of sanctification by simply raising his hands (and a book) to the heavens. The book was inspired by John Muir and written by over 700 very curious and very courageous high school students. In the letter previously posted he wrote:

“Some of the concepts we learned and the ideas we shared took shape as threads that would be intricately woven into the fabric of my life.”

Following John Muir (and a plethora of mentors) Mark has immersed himself in Nature, evinced by the recent pilgrimage that he and his wife made to the top of Half Dome. Two weeks later, they doubled up with a hike to the top of El Capitan. The views from “El Cap” are as impressive as those from Half Dome and can be reached without experiencing “Disney Land” throngs of people crowding the trails.

My best guess is that Mark chaperoned at least 10 Biodesign trips. He will deny it but, in a splendid irony, the book he is offering to the cosmos would not have been possible without his loving support and guidance.

Furthermore, what he did not mention was that he, and over 700 other students, added threads that were woven into the fabric of the author’s life. Soul building was part of what we were about, along with accepting Muir’s challenge to get as close to the heart of Nature as we could.

The photo of Mark holding up a summary of 24 years of wilderness adventures gave me goose bumps. None of the adventures would likely have happened without a very perceptive girl asking a simple yet profound question. As Muir feared, I could have missed over 30 celebrations at his High Altar and spent my career dissecting fetal pigs.

It is my sincere wish that some of the lessons that Mark and I and hundreds of others experienced on our wilderness excursions, will be shared to lift the spirits and gladden the hearts of readers.

Thanks, Mark.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

young.lowell@gmail.com

Butterflies and Human Transcendence

Posted on August 1, 2016 Leave a Comment

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou

Never before in human history has there been such a wealth of knowledge that has allowed man to contemplate the great panoply of mysteries and miracles including: The origin of God—The Universe—Life and Human Spirituality. Anthropologists agree that the first, faint stirrings of human spirituality began about 100,000 years ago. Perhaps this is why anthropologist Loren Eiseley wrote in The Immense Journey:

“The story of Eden is a greater allegory than man has ever guessed. For it was man walking memoryless through bars of sunlight and shade in the morning of the world, sat down and passed a wondering hand across his heavy forehead. Time and darkness, knowledge of good and evil have walked with him ever since.”

Eiseley is tacitly describing the origin of human values, consciousness and free will and not so tacitly suggesting that modern men (including scientists) still have very little understanding of their origin.

He leaves us with two tantalizing mysteries.

When was the “light” turned on in human beings?
Who were the first humans with a soul?

Is it not logical to assume that, before the emergence of “consciousness,” our ancestors were totally controlled by instinctive behavior? The mere fact that millions of life forms have succeeded for approximately four billion years by instinctive behavior suggests that there was no need for consciousness or self-awareness. In other words, there was no need for modern man to evolve.

Maya Angelou wrote:

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

If people are reluctant to acknowledge the changes every butterfly must go through, perhaps it is because they simply cannot fathom the billions of cellular/molecular modifications involved. They are not alone.

Just as anthropologists are at a loss to explain the symbolic (and spiritual) importance of the Eden story, trained entomologists are basically clueless about the controlling biochemical process of butterfly metamorphosis.

In simple terms, after the moth spins a cocoon or the butterfly secrets a chrysalis, the larvae “dissolve” themselves into a cellular/molecular “soup.” All of the larval structures are dismantled and molecule-by-molecule reassembled into a moth or butterfly.

As a biological process this may be extraordinary, but it does not threaten us. However, when metamorphosis is used as a metaphor for spiritual growth, it can become absolutely terrifying and reason enough for us to not welcome the changes necessary to achieve a higher awareness.

It should not surprise us to note that the words metamorphosis and metaphor are similar. Metamorphosis= ‘transform, change shape,’ and metaphor= transfer the meaning of a word into a figure of speech.

In a classic Gospel story, Nicodemus understood the potential value of being spiritually reborn, but was understandably confused by the logistics. In a childlike manner he asked Jesus if he was supposed to reenter his mother’s womb in order to be reborn.

I find this fascinating because human childbirth just may be the closest example of metamorphosis, whereby each infant leaves a “marine ecosystem” and becomes an air-breathing land mammal. Little wonder it is called, “The Miracle of Life,” and why females all over the world (regardless of race, religion or ethnicity) may share an innate awareness of human spirituality.

Intriguingly, R.W. Emerson (1803), Henry Thoreau (1817), and John Muir (1838) were born within 35 years of each other. Following the lead of Plato and Immanuel Kant, they all became literary giants who championed the emergent spiritual philosophy of Human Transcendence. In an interesting paradox, transcendentalism proposes that in order to become fully human, people must “transcend” their physical and mental limitations in order to be “reborn.”

Emerson, Thoreau and Muir all believed that contemplating nature, especially wilderness areas, was a healthy pathway to seek “born again” experiences.

Either that, or perhaps taking a cue from Maya Angelou’s metaphorical butterflies and mustering up the courage to become “spiritual soup,” and embrace the changes that we must undergo to become more sensitive, enlightened beings.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

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YOSEMITE—B0B MARLEY—“ONE HEART”

Posted on July 18, 2016 Leave a Comment

The Biodesign Class of 1978 was only the second class to reach the top of Yosemite’s world-famous Half Dome. They donned their backpacks and labored for 10 miles while gaining nearly 5,000 feet of elevation. The last ½ mile involved climbing a steep series of granite stairs and ascending 400 feet of twin cables up a 45-degree grade. The added weight of the backpacks was challenging for the experienced hikers and was nearly overwhelming for some of the beginners. They had been forewarned that the hike would be a group effort and no one would be left behind. Therefore, when the last hiker topped the brow of Half Dome there was a joyful celebration with lots of tears and hugs.

An orientation session helped them find important landmarks. After setting up a bivouac area, water was heated for trail-food dinners. After dinner the class was treated to an extraordinary spectacle of a blood-red sun dropping below the western horizon. When they turned around to return to the camp area, Mother Nature offered an encore performance of a glorious full moon rising in the east.

After sunset the temperature dropped quickly and students huddled closely together in a circle to share visions and reflections of the day. In addition to a collection of John Muir’s writing, I carried a collection of quotes, aphorisms and adages that were selectively used to enhance discussions. Plato was on our reference list of poets, sages and author’s and I offered the following:

“What if the man could see Beauty Itself, pure,

unalloyed, stripped of mortality and all its

pollution, stains, and vanities, unchanging,

divine…the man becoming, in that communion,

the friend of God, himself immortal;…would

that be a life to disregard?” – Plato

Plato’s words offered a poignant contrast for the students to contemplate. The only blemish on the gorgeous sunset was the layer of smog that could be seen hanging 50 miles away over the San Joaquin Valley. However, at nearly 9,000 feet the sky was nearly perfectly clear. The stars seemed to be competing to see which could be more brilliant. The air was absolutely still and created a profound silence that was truly sublime.

Following a pause in the sharing, Theresa mentioned that she worked as a counselor at a summer camp for kids with impaired hearing. Evidently, the eerie silence was helping her identify with her campers. She mentioned that she had to learn A-S-L (American Sign Language) in order to “speak through my hands.” And then she said, “I heard a lot of stuff about this class, some of it was pretty weird. Maybe now I know why. We have been in class for only a little over a month; we have climbed a mountain together and I can honestly say that I love every one of you like a brother or a sister. A-S-L has a sign for this kind of love and I would like to share it with you.”

She raised her right hand, folded down her middle and ring fingers, leaving her thumb, pointer and pinkie extended. “It’s kind of a sign-language shortcut,” she said. “The pinkie means ‘I’, the thumb and pointer form an ‘L’ and the pinkie and pointer form a “Y.’”

The lesson was a huge success and the students enjoyed flashing the “I Love You” sign for the rest of the trip. And it didn’t stop there. They used it for the rest of the year and its use was passed down to all the following classes.

The last day arrived and before we headed home we went out to the meadow for what proved to be an emotional a final circle. The mighty Half Dome loomed one mile above our heads. It was time to say “good bye” to Yosemite and it became a bittersweet parting. Of course, every student had a unique experience, but I think a common source of their emotional catharsis can be traced to the two spiritual wells of Joy and Sorrow.

Their joy came from innumerable, priceless scenic images, memories of stress, pain and growth; trail camaraderie and an experience that Joseph Campbell would have described as, “The Soul’s High Adventure.” Most had seen things that they could never have imagined, and in doing so, discovered things about themselves that they never knew existed.

The sorrow probably came from knowing that they would soon be leaving John Muir’s cathedral and would not be able to explain their experience to family and friends. They were also keenly aware that they would be descending back down to the lowland with its smog, grime, crime and rampant materialism.

As was the case with many Yosemite “final circles,” tears trickled down their cheeks. On one occasion, the tears prompted me to paraphrase Bob Marley’s hit song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQ7-NybIvk

One Love / People Get Ready

One Love! One Heart!
Let’s get together and feel all right.
See the children cryin’ (One Love!);
See the children cryin’ (One Heart!),
Sayin’: give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right;
Sayin’: let’s get together and feel all right. Wo wo-wo wo-wo!

However, there was often a deeper and more universal cause for their sorrow. On several occasions students wondered why world leaders could not discard their artificial pomp and shallowness and climb a mountain and spend the night. They wondered if world peace could become a bit more plausible if this were to happen?

After all, John Muir predicted nothing less when he wrote:

“The great poets, philosophers, prophets, able men whose thoughts and deeds have moved the world, came down from the mountains.”

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

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“I CONQUERED YOSEMITE’S HALF DOME!”

Posted on July 11, 2016 Leave a Comment

“Loren Eiseley is less concerned about man conquering nature than nature, in the form of God, conquering the human heart.” Time Magazine.

AFTER nearly 75 years, I have concluded that life is mostly (if not totally) a journey into mystery. E.g. how could I have possibly guessed that a simple, innocent question from a student would eventually guide me to climb Yosemite’s Half Dome over 30 times? Each visit was unique and not unlike meeting a long-lost friend with lots of catching up to do. Intriguingly, most of my trips were with students and seeing Half Dome through their eyes provided some of the most glorious moments of my life.

“I Conquered Half Dome” was the title of a Biodesigner’s post-Yosemite essay, and why not? Tom described the “emotional blood,” sweat and near-blisters that were required for him to hike the 10 miles from Yosemite Stables to the top of Half Dome in one grueling day. The altitude gain was nearly 5,000 ft. and YNPS listed the trail as “extremely strenuous” (and that is without a backpack.) It is a safe bet that his 50-lb. backpack made the trek at least twice as difficult.

Tom meticulously recorded the events of the day including moments of inspiration, and frustration; stops for snacks, water and lunch. He also described the logistical demands of stopping to filter water and apply “Mole Skin” to hotspots before they became debilitating blisters. He noted the high level of camaraderie and playful banter that helped ease the fatigue induced by the steep switchbacks. He marveled at how everyone worked together with the stronger hikers quietly taking sleeping bags or tents from classmates who were struggling excessively.

This hike occurred in the early years of the Biodesign program when the trip was only four days. It involved a 4:00 AM departure and 5-hour drive to Yosemite Valley; one very demanding day to hike to the top of Half Dome to spend the night; one very long day to return to The Valley and the 5-hour return trip home. Due to the very demanding 4-day journey, it was quite reasonable for Tom to feel that he had indeed conquered Half Dome. However, the latter part of his essay took on a very different tone.

He wrote:

“I had never been so exhausted but I could not sleep due to the thousands of rapid-fire mental images of our long hike. Earlier in the evening, we huddled in a circle as you read John Muir’s story about his adventure with the ‘wee little dog Stickeen.’ Muir described their near-death experience in a storm on an Alaskan glacier. The ordeal lasted 18 hours and, although they were cold, wet and exhausted, they were happy to make it back to camp.

Muir wrote:

“We reached camp about ten o’clock, and found a big fire and a big supper. A party of Hoona Indians had visited Mr. Young, bringing a gift of porpoise meat and wild strawberries, and Hunter Joe had brought in a wild goat. But we lay down, too tired to eat much, and soon fell into a troubled sleep. The man who said, ‘The harder the toil, the sweeter the rest,’ never was profoundly tired.”

He continued:

“Before the trip we discussed the geology of Half Dome and I was now aware that I was trying to sleep on rock that was over 100 million years old and was there when dinosaurs roamed the earth and perhaps some bird-like forms flew over Yosemite Valley.

I finally gave up trying to sleep and grabbed my flashlight and down jacket. I moseyed out to the “Eye Brow” and carefully dangled my legs over the edge. Interestingly, due to the darkness, the 5,000-foot drop was not as scary as in the daylight. I remembered you saying that Native Americans and “mountain men” could tell time using the “handle” of “The Big Dipper.” I was facing north and looked up to see the giant cosmic-hour-hand above me. And then, IT HAPPENED! A massive surge of adrenaline super-activated every nerve in my body. I was ecstatic, but it was not sublime. I was paradoxically exhilarated, but terrified and quickly began to suffer a panic attack. I could not move! I thought, ‘This is not a good place to be in the middle of the night.’ The panic seemed interminable, but either God or my “reptilian brain” took over and I noticed my hands and thighs slowly begin to inch my body back from the edge. When I stood, I was badly shaken and, with wobbly knees, returned to my sleeping bag.

If I live to be 100 years old, I will never feel the same degree of warmth, safety and comfort that my sleeping bag provided. And then the second major epiphany occurred! What a fool I was to think that I had “conquered” Half Dome! God, Mother Nature or karma allowed me to ascend Half Dome, however; there is still enough mystery and intrigue to last another 100 million years.”

At the youthful age of 17, Tom discovered that he was being conquered and not the conqueror, something more and more people will live and die without discovering.

I don’t think it is elitist for people who have climbed to the top of Half Dome to recalibrate their personal biography into “Pre-H-D” and “Post-H-D.” I don’t think it is possible to climb Half Dome and not have a life-changing experience, however, as John Muir noted about spiritual revelations, there are no earthly words to define them.

Lowell H. Young
Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

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