Beautiful
Back in 1997 I went on a holiday to the West Coast of the US with my family. Apart from making the most wonderful friends on this holiday, I had a complete spiritual epiphany.

I had never travelled before, so I was not sure what to expect from the US. Not much. After seeing many wonderful places, we ended up at the Grand Canyon. It was winter and the air was rarified, so clear and I can still taste it.

There were busloads of people there, about 200 just milling around, and everyone was silent in the afternoon sun. I don't quite remember the sunset, but I do remember this overwhelming feeling of serenity and peace just looking down into the canyon. It was wonderful. I wanted to be alone with this feeling, but I also wanted to hug everyone I loved.

It made me feel so special to be part of the human experience of this place. It was like being in an outdoor cathedral. I looked at the bottom of the Canyon, into the river and realised I was very lucky to witness this natural event, which on the scale of eternity, is something very brief and fleeting.

I then went and bought a beautiful silver necklace in the shape of a hawk (I think). On days where I need to remember that feeling that all my troubles are so insignificant, I dig out that necklace and wear it.

Good question! Whoever said this is like confession is right. But this is what confession should be - nice things. No wonder I stopped going to church.
(Gabstar, Sun 13 Mar 2005, 2:38, Reply)