444 - Paths

Buenos!

Welcome back to 444. My name's Max. I'm an Australian photographer currently travelling South America.

444 is my monthly blog honouring when you act with your heart. Each month expect something 4 me, 4 you, and 4 us.

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Today, I'm writing to you from the Viconga campsite on the Huayhuash Circuit in Peru. It's our two-day rest stop on our eleven-day trek. Rest is the priority. All we've done is bathe in the hot springs and streams next to slaughtered sheep and the soundscapes of traditional Quechuan music. Has anyone else noticed the similarities between Quechua and East Asian music?

4 me - Moving Past

On several occasions this trip I've struggled to sit in the beauty of where I am. Guilt rushes through with the privileges of what I'm experiencing.

There's distrust in my path.

Everything at home was good. I had a dream job, community, and opportunities. I loved it. It made me feel so safe and comfortable. Why did I let it go? Did I leave at the right time?

These monkey mind thoughts have been inescapable on the Huayhuash trek. It's cold, windy, and wet. Carrying all our gear and nine days of food, battling altitude, and rough sleeps has made me susceptible to listening.

This privileged person is trying to feel something.

As cliche as it sounds, reaching the Siula Pass on the third day, I moved past this. After the brutal climb, I could see the beauty in the face of all I let go. Relief that I could finally be here for me.

4 you - Affirmation

You are on the right path.

4 us - Divine Fault Lines

Maybe the above wasn't reassuring enough from an Australian photographer. If so, you can find endless gold in Angie McMahon's discography.

Her open lyrics cover topics everyone can relate to. Anchors in moments of self-doubt, they instil belief when things are steep.

She reminds us that it's "...the place where the breaking out begins / It's the divine fault line opening".

Thanks for reading the latest 444.

Before you go, check out my latest Guna Yala Postcard Pack. All the profits go to the community supporting the Caledonia traditional dance school.

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