Through a Dark Window

Through a Dark Window
            Pandemic fears. Political turmoil. Economic instability. This thematic combination has been playing on loop for well over seven months now. People who experience depression sometimes describe it as like looking at the world through a different colored set of glasses. Everything, even things that used to feel bright and cheerful, seem tinged with a darker color and mood.
            Countless news stories report on the prevalence of depression and anxiety amidst the current pervasive upheaval in our world. I don’t know anyone who isn’t suffering from some level of emotional trauma from the relentless psychological pummeling we’ve been collectively suffering through.
            It helps to remember that there is light on the other side of even the dirtiest, darkest window. There will be days when the sun rises higher, shines brighter, and helps us see past the shady obstacles that make us feel unnerved about the state of our world.
            On a recent weekend outing we decided to park at Fort Point, a favorite scenic spot at the foot of the Gold Gate Bridge. With the fort interior closed for months due to pandemic health and safety regulations, we figured we’d enjoy the outside view and walk along shore. To our surprise, the Fort had reopened, and we happily walked around inside this favorite old stomping ground.
            Despite dozens of visits over the years, I hadn’t truly noticed the thick, rough window edges framing the Golden Gate Bridge before. Images revealing the bright orange-red of the bridge and the Marin Headlands glowing in the distance beyond the dark, rough window edge became a favorite set of recent photos.
            May we all see past the dark, smudgy edges to the shining light ahead of us, no matter how gloomy things seem at the moment.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Fort Point, an archive repeat favorite as we never tire of the view from there and visit often.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 37): Fort Point