When are you most happy?
The piece reflects on their deep emotional connection with nature. It was inspired by William Wordsworth’s poem about the joy of witnessing a rainbow. Experiences from hiking to Gomukh and Madhyamaheshwar highlight the beauty and grandeur of the natural world, providing solace and rejuvenation. Nature and humanity are intertwined, with nature depicted as a healer, nurturing both body and spirit.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article explores the deep emotional connection between nature and humanity, inspired by Wordsworth’s appreciation of a rainbow.
- It highlights transformative experiences from trekking to Gomukh and Madhyamaheshwar, showcasing nature’s healing power.
- The trek to Gomukh reveals breathtaking beauty, with the stark environment inspiring awe and introspection.
- Walking in nature revitalises the spirit and fosters closeness with the natural world, even in urban areas with green spaces.
- Ultimately, humanity relies on nature for sustenance and healing, illustrating a profound bond that enriches our lives.
Nature’s attraction
The famous nature poet William Wordsworth aptly expressed his feelings when he saw a rainbow in the sky. His heart jumps up in excitement and joy. He wrote:
"My heart leaps up,
When I behold a rainbow in the sky..."
Expressing his ecstasy upon encountering a natural happening or drama, the poet further says,
"So was it when my life began, So is it now I am a man, So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die." It is the wish that the poet has. Such is the attraction of Nature.
Mother Nature
Mother Nature is benevolent and kindhearted. She manifests herself in every aspect of life and gives solace and consolation when a person needs it the most. It is the intense magnetic attraction that made me visit and enjoy the rejuvenating beauty of the hills. It is the strong connection between Nature and humanity.
Untamed Nature
The air was crisp and cold, and the atmosphere was sparse. The sun was on its downward journey, but was shining and endeavouring to contain the gushing cold, icy wind. There was total silence. Occasionally, loud thunderous sounds echoed as large chunks of the glacier fell into the flowing river. The river was formed by melting the falling ice chunks. He was watching Nature at Gomukh, standing on a big boulder, stupefied.
(1) Gomukh glacier
Gomukh (the cow’s snout) is a huge glacier about 30 kilometres long and 3 to 4 kilometres thick. It melts and gives rise to Ganga as Bhagirathi. Situated at an altitude of 13200 feet (4023 meters) above sea level, the terrain is rocky and barren (Wikipedia). There is bare minimal or nil vegetation. The temperature reaches sub-zero during winter; nights are very cold during summer and autumn. Standing on the bank of the Bhagirathi, he scanned the area. Barren and stunningly beautiful, it caused horripilation due to its wilderness. Gomukh glacier is crowned by the majestically tall snow-covered Bhagirathi peak. Bright white and off-white boulders glow in sunlight. It looks outstandingly stunning and royal against a cerulean sky.
(2) Captivating beauty
The whole ambience is rough, barren, and to a certain extent terrifying. At the same time, it is captivating, full of natural beauty and grandeur. The wild and uncared Nature mesmerises the beholder and sways them with its beauty. Considering himself lucky, he thanked the Almighty. Overwhelmed with emotion, his eyes brimmed, for he was witnessing untamed Nature, standing right on the spot of springhead.
(3) The trek
The trek to Gomukh is strenuous. The sparse atmosphere and low oxygen levels make it difficult to breathe. Although the gradient is not very steep, its orientation exposes trekkers to the sun for most of the journey. The sixteen-kilometre trek begins at Gangotri and ends at Gomukh. The narrow path winds through breathtaking scenery. The Bhagirathi River gushes and roars through a deep canyon. This creates a simply superb experience. Words fall short to describe the beauty that eyes behold.
(4) Profound connection
A profound connection is felt while trekking to Madhyamaheshwar or other trekking sites. Madhyamaheshwar is one of the five among “Panch Kedar” (Five Kedars). It is located at an altitude of 11,473 feet above sea level. Trekking enables individuals to connect deeply with nature and experience its diverse forms. Breathing in the fresh, fragrant air is rejuvenating. As the altitude increases, nature reveals its ethereal beauty, captivating and holding one’s attention. The month of October is best suited for trekking. Monsoon clears the atmosphere, and the azure sky looks stunning. Many large ash-black lizards live here, which often cross the roads. The harmless reptiles live on insects. Strangely, these cold-blooded animals survive at such a high altitude.
Closeness to Nature
Vicinity of Nature exhilartes. It’s a great healer which is felt everywhere. A lone tree standing like a pensive anchorite says that every element is important in nature. A hovering insect or bee with a buzzing sound elates the mind and soul. Nature gives inner strength, happiness and healing. Trekking allows the closeness with Nature. A trekker gulps the nectar of natural beauty. Green valleys, rocky terrains, towering hills, and snow-capped mountains all boil down to a potion that revitalises.
“Chaukhambha” peak
The rapturous snow-white “Chaukhambha” peak stands tall. It looks enchantingly beautiful against the sapphire sky. Watching it from the fringe of Guptkashi town is like feeling heavenly beauty with eyes. The sun was gradually going down, and soon, it became dark. After having dinner, he retreated into his sleeping bag. The next morning, he went to Kalimath. The morning was cool but refreshing. After splashing the water of the Saraswati River and paying oblations in the temple, he started sauntering.
Picturesque landscape
Walking on the meandering beaten path along the hills flanked by green trees is an inexpressible experience. The music of chirping birds adds to the indescribable charm. Terraced fields with colourful and eye-catching crops of buckwheat (Kuttu) are beautiful and attract attention.
Nature is everywhere
Closeness with the natural world can be experienced anywhere. It is the connection humanity and Nature share. In cities where the concrete jungle is mushrooming, the green patches and parks offer a glimpse of nature. They allow people to feel nature and enjoy its health benefits. The intermittent parks and/or green patches are the home of avifauna. This includes sparrows, munia, parrots, bulbuls, little green bee-eaters, rock pigeons, kestrels, et cetera. They add a dimension to the ambience and play a vital role in balancing the ecosystem of the local area.
Cushion against negativity
Large open areas covered with green trees purify the air. They increase the oxygen supply through photosynthesis. This process is vital for our sustainability. Nature is always with humanity and acts as a cushion against negativity, sorrow and loneliness. It absorbs them and enhances the positive energy level. Wandering among colourful floral beds with swinging flowers in cool, refreshing breeze elevates the soul. Its healing effects are not mere rhetoric.
Epilogue
Humanity owes its very existence to Nature, the source of life and sustenance. They should feel obligated for the bounties it offers. The human race has personified the force as the Almighty, the Goddess and God. It always heals souls in various ways and gently caresses.
Further readings:
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