🌄 The Journey
In recent weeks, I had been caught in a draining routine, weighed down by constant thoughts and concern for a close relative’s health. My mind felt trapped—exhausted by the cycle of worry. I knew I needed a break, and one of the closest options was the mountain.
The journey to get there isn’t simple. The mountain is over 70 km away, and the bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, sometimes close to two. But the real challenge begins once you start climbing. The trail inside the mountain is just over 3 kilometers, but it feels like ten. The path is steep, with diagonal slopes, constant elevation changes, and long uphill stretches. At a normal pace, it takes me around 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the top, while locals—used to the terrain—do it in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
From my house to the mountain home, the full journey takes more than 3 hours and 30 minutes. It’s physically demanding, but also exciting. As you climb, your heart pounds, your breath quickens, and your body awakens.
🏡 The Mountain Home
At the summit lies my uncle’s house, surrounded by mountainous terrain—hills within hills. The air is fresh and light, a stark contrast to the heat of my city. While my home sits between 50 and 130 meters above sea level, the mountain rises beyond 500 meters, offering a cooler, more peaceful climate.
Each morning, I walked through the hills, explored elevated crop zones, and even bathed in water drawn from a well located 10 to 15 meters down a slope. I ate fresh fruits and vegetables, straight from the land. The sounds of nature—birds, wind, and local animals—became my soundtrack. It was a place where time slowed down, and my senses tuned in.
🧘 The Mental Shift
This wasn’t just a physical escape—it was a mental reset. The combination of movement, fresh air, and natural food helped me reconnect with myself. I felt lighter, more present, and deeply grateful.
The mountain gave me space to breathe, to reflect, and to let go of the mental noise. It reminded me how important it is to step away from routine, to disconnect from problems, and to allow the body and mind to recover.
💭 Why It Mattered
We all need moments like this. Not just vacations, but intentional pauses—spaces where we can move, feel, and listen. Spaces where we can remember that healing doesn’t always come from solving problems, but sometimes from simply being.
After returning home, I felt renewed. Different. And more aware of how essential it is to care for both body and mind.
