[pct-l] Reality

[vichansonperu at yahoo.com (Vic Hanson)]

Reality is what is real, it is a quality or state of being (or not being). How you or I perceive it does not change reality. Our perception may or may not be real. I can look at an ice covered slope and perceive it as too dangerous to pass, as I am inexperienced in mountaineering. You may look at it and perceive it as no problem and attempt to cross it. Both of our perceptions may be right or wrong. That doesn't change the reality of it being a dangerous route that requires skill and care, possibly with the proper equipment and training) to safely cross it. Even if you make it safely across and I try it and slide to my death (or the other way around), the reality is still the same. It is certain that if you slip and slide to the bottom and smash into a large boulder head first, you will die, that is reality. Skill, training and equipment, along with confidence or fear will determine the final result.
   
  I will be attempting a thru hike of the PCT this year. My perception of it is based on short hikes, trail journals, books and of course the discussions on the lists. Some perceive it as hard, boring, a waste of time, others as challenging, easy, fascinating, lonely, fulfilling, etc. The trail is the same length for all, the conditions will be different based on time, weather, companions, training, abilities, etc. How we look at it may make it easier of harder and determine whether we finish the hike or not but it doesn't change reality.
   
  There are absolute truths, it I try to breath under water, I will drown. I have climbed to 21,000 feet and even though the air was thin, I was able to function and live, due to training and having lived at 8,800 feet for 2 1/2 years. I will never be able to change the reality of not being able to breath under water.
   
  Is there a God? Either there is or there isn't. What I our you think about it doesn't change reality. I chose to believe that there is a God, some chose to believe there isn't, but that doesn't make Him real or not.
   
  Don't let your perceptions fool you into thinking you can change reality, whatever the topic. Learn to deal with it, prepare for it and adjust to it, because life is real.
   
  HYOH, LYOL, just don't fool yourself and try to make your own reality (MYOR).
   
  Vic


Check out my blog for photos and stories of my adventures in Peru: 
http://spaces.msn.com/members/vichanson/


		
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