Vancouver, BC – Spiritual Intersection of Urban and Nature
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver, BC in Canada. It had been years since my last trip and I was excited to see the town, the surrounding countryside, and to meet friends and family.
To start with, the views from our airplane, as we got closer to the pacific northwest, became increasingly breathtaking. The mountain ranges from Portland to Washington states were snow covered and peaked through the blue shaded sky as the sun was fading out. I wondered about the mountain ranges and how they felt connected to each other as though they were a family growing together.
I wondered about the mountains that stood alone, tall and proud, but perhaps felt alone, as they gazed into the vast land below.
The splendor that I remembered about Vancouver was still lurking in every corner and still mesmerizing. From Stanley Park, University of British Columbia, Whistler Mountain, Grouse Mountain, English Bay, Burrard Inlet, and the skyline of the city – all were unique sites to see. However, the expansion, multiplications of high rises, the traffic, and the homeless on the streets reminded me of the challenges of major cities.
At the top of our agenda was to see the town of Whistler, northwest of Vancouver. The 1.5hr drive north was gorgeous and kept us engaged while driving to the destination. The Winter Olympics village was crowded but surrounded by mountains that were combed in waves of trees and grass, for the upcoming winter ski season.
The mountains surrounding the village added a sense of protection, rising above the area with tree lined armor.
Coming from Florida, the Vancouver area mountains filled the gap in my heart and feasted my eyes and senses in absorbing the majestic eruptions of earth climbing into the sky. From a violent past to these beautiful scenes, hundreds of thousands of years to form and become livable and admired. In our short-lived human form, we do not have such generous timeline, but seeing these transformations in nature brings hope to stressful days and life of hardship.
The Shannon Falls was impressive, with the flowing water submitting to gravity, jumping from one rock to the other. The height of the mountain intensified the power of the falling water, scraping the rocks while flowing downstream and joining the creak below. This reminded me of my poem, Does it Feel, with the verse “Does the rock cry for the erosion over time?” The rocks still stand, despite all these years of erosion. They will stand long after we are gone. How can I not be in awe of the moment?
The Brandywine Falls had its own beauty, being enclosed by the enclave of rocks hiding the falls and the powerful sound. I wanted to slow down time and absorb this unique waterfall. The daily grinds push us forward into nonstop action, so taking a moment to enjoy the splendor of nature goes a long way to bring harmony to life.
Taking the gondola to Grouse Mountain and hiking around the base and the top were a vital part of the trip. There were challenging rocky pathways that led to mesmerizing hidden scenes. I wanted to turn back a few times, but was able to press-on, and I am glad I did. The view of the city from high above was captivating. Looking at the skyscrapers of the crowded city through the trees on the mountain, it seemed like playing hide and seek, as the buildings appeared in and out of the tall trees.
Which one do you feel more comfortable in—Being in the city or part of nature?
Two parasailers were daringly flying well above the city, alongside the mountainside. 
Being closer to the clouds and the vast views, created an aura of mysticism that is hard for me to feel in a bustling city. I realize that they each have their own merits that inspire people differently. I wonder how the parasailers felt. The adrenaline rush they must have felt from being so high up, along with freely floating in the air, must have been amazing for them.
Dinner at the restaurant at the top of the mountain was wonderful. The umbrellas protected us from the piercing sun as it was setting, and the musky smoke added a layer of hazy covering to the skyline.
The land, the sea, the mountains, the jungle – so much to take in. All I could do was breathe and let the beauty overwhelm me with serenity.
Gathering with friends added a dimension of joy to the trip. Spending time together and reminiscing about days long gone were heartwarming and a contrast to our busy lives. We were in awe of all the natural blessings Vancouver offers through its parks, lakes, mountains, and trails. So much to explore and enjoy.
We walked for hours and took a tour to the Squamish area. The gondola ride was breathtaking and the views from the top, overlooking the Howe Sound with the calming turquoise water were so peaceful.
The overcrowded downtown area was filled with tourists like us. The travelers curious about this city were enjoying the walking and biking trails, restaurants, shops, and historic areas. There was traffic everywhere, and frequent sounds of sirens were worrisome and at times disheartening. For someone who prefers solitude, the crowds and the sirens felt counter to the experience of noticing the grandeur that wrapped this modern city.
As the Gastown steam clock whistled, I wondered about how the sounds transform from crowded streets to siren’s distress, to the charming whistle, and then vanish into the serene sounds of the nearby nature.
I realized that by having moved out of the city a long time ago, I had lost connection to the challenges of day-to-day life that the city residents encounter. Perhaps, when I was younger, I was more comfortable and interested in crowded scenes. Over time, my preference has shifted to quieter environments and to the beauty of nature, so that I can connect with my spiritual self without the interference of daily distractions.
I am thankful for this contrasting experience in Vancouver, reminding me of the balance that I need to have. Going through life in pendulums is not conducive to consistent harmony and peace of mind. I will take steps to further move towards that balance and to be mindful and present regardless of the environment.
Parto Dehdashti
