From: jfbrule@rodan.acs.syr.edu (J F Brule)
Subject: Fresh Air
Organization: Coherent Research, Inc., Syracuse NY
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 92 15:04:19 EDT

Friends,

I recently had a very rewarding - no, uplifting! - experience that I just
have to share with you.

Let me say from the outset that I don't offer this tale to gloat, brag,
or preach. I'm offering it because the major component of the experience was
to gain a new perspective on my day-to-day life.

As background, I spend all of my day (and much of my evenings) at work 
in an office at a computer terminal, occasionally attending meetings,
and very occasionally going on business trips. While it is true that I
have an office with a door (ie, not a cubicle), I have to work with the
lights off to avoid the glare, and keep the shades drawn on the single,
narrow window (which looks out at a major highway from ground level).
In retrospect, it is obvious how oppressive this environment could become.
Until recently, I didn't even notice (consciously); that's how effectively
oppressive it was.

Last week, I took a business trip to LA (I'm in upstate NY), not one of
my favorite places to be. Since we are a small company, I had to stay 
through Sunday morning, despite the fact that my meeting was over
Wednesday (cost of flying). Owing to a serious gap in my geographic
knowledge, I decided to spend two nights in Yosemite Nat'l Park, believing
it was only a couple of hours drive away. It's more like six or seven.

I went anyway.

Thank Goddess.

Yosemite "Valley" is a glacial canyon which is entered through a mile-
long tunnel, "disgorging" you (sorry) into an eight-square-mile Other
World. The valley floor is about 5,000', and has the largest falls in
N America (Yosemite Falls - total vertical drop ~2,500'). There are 
granite monoliths which shoot straight up 4,000', multitudes of waterfalls,
meadows, and a simply breathtaking scenery.

On my one full day there, I climbed to the top of Yosemite Peak: a
3,000' climb in 3.2 miles which overlooks the Falls. I am not the
young, athletic man I remember - this was easily the most physically
grueling experience of my life. But I made it.

After trudging through 1/2 mile of 2-3' of snow to reach the final peak,
I was blessed with a stunning overlook of the whole canyon and mountain
range beyond. The air was thin, crisp, and clear; the view indescribable,
and my soul soared. I could not imagine returning to my dark, dismal office
some 3,000 miles away.

I had this incredible experience of being =out in the open=, of being
unconfined, free! Despite my exhaustion, I was exhilirated, and renewed.
Again I wondered, how could I return to that same old, dreary office?

I couldn't, so I didn't. I brought back pieces of Yosemite with me,
both physically and spiritually. A large photographic mural will soon
adorn one wall; rolls and rolls of pictures are already developed and
circulating amongst my co-workers; other such mementos abound. Even
more to the point, I have resolved to carry that new perspective with
me spiritually. For example, I'm going back next spring, come hell or
high water, for a =real= stay. I'm going to get into the shape I need
to to make the climb (and others) without having to stop every 12
paces.  My family and I have agreed to start getting outside together,
even if it's only for an evening walk around the neighborhood. And most
importantly, I've brought my new self home.

I know, the details aren't for everyone, even though a part of me can't
imagine anyone not being similarly moved given the opportunity. But the
shift in perspective, I now know, =is= accessible. I encourage you to
uncover that soaring spirit in each of you - you =know= it's there, however
well you've hidden it. I certainly did: I tucked it away for almost two
decades. But now it's back, and I won't hide it again!

For those of you who want, I'll gladly arrange to send you pix; just 
email me your USnail address, and I'll send you a couple, for an exchange.
If you like them, show them to someone else.

And let your spirit soar.

Peace,

 ~~~Jim

--
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-------------------------------------------------------Margaret Mead
                     Jim Brule'  jim@cri.com
Newsgroups: alt.sexual.abuse.recovery