The Glacier

Summary

Mel reflects on life's highs and lows during a hike on an unseasonably warm winter day, drawing parallels between his emotional states and the contrasting weather patterns, particularly the steady flow of a river fed by glacial melt.

Abstract

During a hike on a warm winter day, Mel ponders the similarities between his fluctuating emotional states and the changing weather. He appreciates the rare, pleasant day amidst the cold, questioning if constant perfection would diminish his gratitude for good days. Sitting by a river, he contemplates the river's continuous flow, which is fed by glaciers and remains steady regardless of the weather. Mel likens this to an inner glacier within himself, which melts and flows with joy when he feels warmth, either from external sunshine or an internal "pilot light" that sustains him during gloomier times. Despite wishing every day could be as wonderful as this one, he acknowledges the necessity of contrast in appreciating life's joys.

Opinions

Mel believes that the contrast between good and bad days is necessary to fully appreciate the joyous moments in life.
He finds beauty and wisdom in the natural world, particularly in the steady flow of a river and its glacial source, which he uses as a metaphor for his own emotional resilience.
Mel identifies an internal source of warmth and joy, akin to a pilot light, that helps him maintain a steady flow of happiness even during difficult times.
The narrative suggests that personal growth and appreciation for life's beauty are enhanced by experiencing a range of emotional states, not just constant positivity.

And the pilot light

Following a particularly brutal cold snap there came a day that was unseasonably warm. Mel took advantage of this and went for a long hike. Although the winter solstice was quickly approaching it felt like early September. Mel was not even wearing a jacket.

Of course another cold front was coming the next day. Two weeks of bitter cold were followed by one exceptionally nice day only to be followed by another two-week cold snap. Winter was not Mel’s favorite season.

If every day was exceptionally nice, however, would he truly appreciate it without the contrast of bitter cold?

While walking alongside the small river Mel realized that his life was a lot like the weather. He had days that were filled with joy when everything seemed perfect but he also had those long stretches of gloomy, dismal days. If only every day could be perfect.

Finding a log on the ground next to the river, he sat down to watch the water flow. He had always loved watching water flow. The only time he did not care for water was when it was frozen solid and not flowing. Of course the water in the river that he was watching came from the melting glaciers on the distant mountaintops. The glaciers allowed for a steady flow all year long. The river was always flowing; not just after rain.

Mel wondered if there was a glacier inside of him. When warm rays of sunshine touched his skin his inner glacier began to melt creating a glorious flow. When there was no sun and it was cold and gloomy and gray his inner glacier would freeze up and water would stop flowing.

The warmth of the sun always lifted Mel’s spirits but he knew that there was another heat source within himself that was just as powerful — if not more so. It was his life spark. It was like the pilot light on a gas stove. It could be used to keep a gentle warm fire going within; a fire that could keep his inner glacier melting at a constant rate and provide a steady stream of joy flowing through his being.

Mel shook his head and got up from the log he was sitting on. He looked up into the blue sky, he looked at the bare naked trees and he took one more look at the river. He took a deep breath of the fresh air then continued walking, thinking, “If only every day could be this wondrous.”

Speaking of water…

The Glacier

And the pilot light

Finding the Source

A journey through rock, water and sound