31st August 2008 Thoughts on Stickle Tarn
The altered states that Richard and I have been discussing in this Swimming Home project, and a film project in which we are also collaborating, can be experienced in different ways. Together, however, we have experienced and discussed aspects of experience that affects our sense of the 'here and now'.
What does this mean? An example. Two days ago we approached Stickle Tarn after an hour and a half climbing. We arrived at the tarn fatigued and sweating heavily due to the ascent and humidity. The tarn appeared awesome – it was unknown to us as swimmers – the low cloud increased its mystery and influenced our thoughts that drew on fear and mythology. Rationality falls away because of unknown elements.
We swam across and back in cold water, stretching our boundaries into discomfort. Afterwards, as thoughts and emotions settled, fears subsided and bodies warmed, it was a long way from the point of first arrival and sight of the tarn. We 'knew' the water and the mountain better than before. Our experience in this theatre had altered our awareness of the landscape and our awareness of our own inner landscapes.
We now better understood the phrase that had earlier been on our lips, "It furthers one to cross the great water".
