A Sherpa's Inner Calling

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High in the Himalayan Mountains, Sherpas carry unbelievable weights over great distances, laughing as they go. Stalwart guides and porters, they scale the highest peaks, guiding others beyond all self-limitation. They are courageous, cheerful, and willing to put their life on the line. Climbing the highest mountain is their passion. It is in their blood.

Like these Sherpas, we each have our own Everest to climb. How we process the challenges life brings to us directly impacts our journey through life. Are we willing to take the high road, to become a shining example? What are we willing to pledge or to give up? How far will we go to love authentically and leave footprints for others to follow?

Becoming a Sherpa means striving to greet adversity with joy. Following the Himalayan Sherpas on the best and worst days, one can draw eleven principles that can be pursued.

Pursue self knowledge. To become radiant Sherpas, we must first get to know ourselves, to be ready to face our dark side, even if this brings temporary discomfort. The more honest we become with ourselves, the more sincerely we can help others.

Greet crisis as an opportunity. Sherpas understand that every crisis provides an opportunity to ascend higher. Likewise, our personal growth is commensurate to our willingness to change. When conflict knocks at our door, we do not hide. We vigorously pursue resolution that brings everyone up a notch or two.

Confront your responsibility with zeal. We can't hide from what we say and do, or even from what others think. We understand that at a deep level, every circumstance and interaction that comes into their life, both pleasant and adverse, is somehow a result of a cause that we previously set in motion. Sherpas do not shrink back from that responsibility. They make the best use of it.

Master your thoughts, words, and feelings. Thoughts, words and feelings have a great impact on us in many seen and unseen ways, and even affect our overall health.

Lead from the heart. Research shows that our heart has its own intelligence, and that when we ask our heart for guidance, we can actually surpass anything our minds would have come up with. Without fanning the fires of the heart, Sherpas could not succeed.

Be a co-creator. Sherpas consult the mountain before heading upward. They do not take unnecessary risks. They are humble before nature and her divine spirit. They know that to reach the top, their quest must harmonize with life. Likewise, we are co-creators. We can do nothing of lasting value, unless we seek out and honor the divine guidance.