I often use mountain metaphors for quests because as a young person I climbed a lot of mountains. I know the difference between the exhilaration at the summit, the struggle of the ascent, and the dark, quiet of the valleys in between mountains. For a long time now, my life has been a series of ascents and summits, but I haven't spent a lot of time in those dark, quiet valleys. That's where I am now, and in many ways it is a new terrain.
What's unique about the valleys? When you're in the valley, you don't have a clear glimpse of what's ahead or behind--in the dark, wooded valley you only see what's in your circumference which includes lots of treees, scrub, small animals, sometimes big animals, running brooks/rivers, rocks, old fallen trees, mushrooms, fallen leaves and more. The valley actually has a lot to look at, wonder about and see, but it is without the magnificent view that the summit holds or the arduous work and rocky path of the ascent.
There are advantages to the valley. The valley's trees protect you from rainfall, have soft paths, and are filled with safe crevices and shady spots to take refuge. People in the valley are generally calm and kind, and the details of valley life interesting if you take the time to explore.
I plan to spend some time in this valley before I ascend again. What will I learn? What will I see? Where will it take me?