One Foot in Front of the Other.

Today was truly an eye-opening adventure. We had the privilege of climbing to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a destination so rare that less than 0.001% of the world will ever experience it. As we ventured the steep switchbacks, and never-ending stairs, the journey wasn’t just physical, it was an opportunity to push our limits, work together, and challenge the beauty of perseverance. Each step taught us the importance of collaboration, as we supported and encouraged one another through the most challenging parts. (According to Google, “To reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you’ll climb approximately 800 stone steps on the final stretch of the hike.”) The breathtaking views from the top were 100% worth the effort. They were a reminder of how far determination can take you.

We had the amazing opportunity to have a look inside the four main temples in the Monastery, which is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. In one of the temples, many of us received blessings for our prayer flags and stupas from a monk. As we descended from the cliffs, we hung the prayer flags for the ones we love as well as the ones we’ve lost. After the hike, we enjoyed a peaceful picnic by the river. We were surrounded by delicious food, as well as, the towering mountains that seemed to stretch off the earth. Sitting there, looking up at the top, we felt a powerful sense of gratitude for this incredible moment and the people we got to share it with.

To top it all off, we ended the day with a group dinner, and despite feeling exhausted from the hike, we ended off with laughter and reflections on the day’s adventure. It’s hard to put into words how much today has meant to me, but I know one thing for sure, this journey is far from over. We are all excited about the new adventures tomorrow will bring, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes us next.