Plank Bridges, a Monk, and Candles

Photo Credit: Keith Renninson

Plank Bridges, a Monk, and Candles

This is the fifth in my series of stories from my book “Tenacity” when I got lost in the Himalayas of Nepal. They were the basis for my TRIP Technique Assessment and Keynote programs. Although, it was a very stressful experience, I grew from it in so many ways that have served me well ever since. I hope they help you too.

It had been a long day with many challenges, but one that put my fears to the test was when I had to cross a thirty-yard plank bridge missing a lot of planks. I have acrophobia, the fear of heights, and this bridge was a hundred feet above the canyon and rushing river below. I knew I was going to have to face it when I first spotted it several miles below. I kept looking at it and my fears continued to grow until I had to gin up my courage and take that first step.

These bridges are common, often very old, rickety, and dangerous. The locals cross them daily with ease and familiarity. I on the other hand was carrying a 60-pound backpack and weighed around 170 pounds at the time. Combined I weighed a lot more than the average Nepali.

I walked slowly, stepping over the missing planks and the ones that were loose and damaged. I held onto the ropes that were on each side with a death grip while sweating profusely. I was passed by several Nepalese people who looked at me like I was crazy in my fear. I finally made it to the other side and sat down to have an orange to catch my breath and slow my heart rate. Overcoming fear is an act of tenacity. You must face it and take immediate action because if you wait or procrastinate, it only gets worse. The more you use it the easier it gets to face and push through.  A few moments later, I felt humbled when a flock of sheep crossed.

In the late afternoon, I came across a small, very old Buddhist temple sitting on top of a ridge with a wonderful view of the valley below. I decided that I could use a short meditation, so I sat down in front of the statue of Buddha, crossed my legs and began my ritual of breathing slowly to bring down my brainwave activity and heart rate. In the early 70’s I had studied Biofeedback and learned how to use it as a mediation technique. I dropped quickly and deeply into my alpha state of mind and became very relaxed. I’m sure that I dropped off to sleep as it was dark when I came out of the meditation. 

A monk stepped from the shadows and welcomed me. I had a feeling he had been watching and waiting for me to awaken. He spoke with me for a few minutes about where I was from and where I was going. Having been educated in Kathmandu he spoke fluent English and invited me to stay the night and share a meal with him. Dressed in traditional crimson and gold robes, his name was Pasang, about 5’ 1”, a little rotund with a jolly laugh.

I joined him in his living quarters which were lit with numerous candles, a picture of Buddha hung on the wall, and a small wood burning stove where he had a vegetable stew cooking. Buddy curled up in a corner and watched us while dozing.

Our conversation turned to philosophy as you might expect given his education and my curiosity. It is one of my favorite topics to discuss as it turned to the purpose of life. I shared my western views, and he shared his eastern ideology. We had much to talk about and did so until the wee hours when I couldn’t keep my eyes open much longer. He gave me a place to sleep in my sleeping bag and we said our good nights.

As I fell asleep, I thought about how my purpose in life had brought me to this place and this man. There is no such thing as coincidence, I see it as almost always synchronicity. I was looking for direction in life with mid-life and mid-career crisis nipping at my heels.  Much of what he had to say brought me back to seek a balanced life of moderation and happiness. He said that he sensed I had a sense of “knowing” that came from my meditation. A knowing that there was a higher power which gave me a source for my spirituality that would be grounding. I needed to focus on my mission, with faith and trust to guide me on my quest for a deeper meaning in my life. Of course, he was right. It was with that thought on my mind that I fell asleep.

Seeking purpose is an individual exercise that we all face if we take the time. For those looking inward for self-discovery often find what they are looking for. But you must take the time to do it and being patient is key. Life is a constant sea of change and opportunity which is so exciting if you face it with curiosity, humor, and humility.

Remember to take a TRIP for a lifetime, not a trip of a lifetime.

In the end, it’s just one man’s opinion…mine.

Keith……