Pompeys Pillar - A Montana Discovery

Heading east on the I 90 at 75 miles an hour it is easy to miss this National Monument. About thirty minutes east of Billings, Montana a nondescript sign appears announcing Pompeys Pillar. All we knew about Pompeys Pillar was that it is a sandstone rock formation near the Yellowstone River and is some how connected with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

However, it turns out that Pompeys Pillar is much more than a mere sandstone sculpture. It brings alive the history of the region. It is all too easy to forget about those who came before us, paving the way for the conveniences of the modern lifestyle we all enjoy.

One signature carved into this sandstone sculpture reminds us of an epic journey that occurred a few hundred years ago. Captain William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed this way on his return trip from the Pacific coast in 1806. At that time this area was wild, unexplored and uncharted. Clark was following the Yellowstone River with his entourage and on July 25, 1806 he discovered this rock formation standing by itself and rising 150 feet above the surrounding landscape. Clark was impressed by this feature and documented it in his journals. He named the formation Pompy’s Tower. When the Lewis and Clark journals were published a few years later it was renamed Pompeys Pillar.

Today, the National Monument is an oasis in this otherwise dry landscape. The sandstone formation is located near the Yellowstone River and is close to Interstate 90. An abundance of Cottonwood trees provide welcome shade and greenery. The native plants, shrubs and flowers offered needed resources and sustenance to the settlers of this area. It is easy to see why this place was attractive and important to the explorers and aboriginal people of the day.

Pompeys Pillar rises abruptly above the flat plains and its presence is immediately felt in its sheer sandstone cliffs. A wooden staircase leads to the top of the formation. On the way to the top there is a viewing platform where Clark signed his name in the stone and dated it July 25, 1806. Other signatures from the 1800s appear as well as some evidence of aboriginal drawings. One cannot help but feel a sense of wonder and connection to this explorer who left his mark. Even more remarkable is that Clark’s signature in this spot is the only physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the entire Lewis and Clark Trail.

The view from the top of Pompeys Pillar provides a 360 degree panoramic view of the plains, Yellowstone River and the mountains and hills in the distance. It is easy to see why Clark described the view as remarkable. Although modern society and “progress” has changed the area, it is remarkable that the view remains much the same as what Clark would have seen in 1806.

Viewing Clark’s signature was a moving experience not so much for the sake of the signature but as a reflection from an explorer who found something remarkable and beautiful about this place. Climbing to the top of the Pillar, the view remains beautiful and that sense of wonder and remarkableness comes alive. Here on Pompey’s Pillar we felt a connection to the past and we were able to take in the spectacular scenery that Clark discovered. We were grateful for having the oportunity to stop at Pompeys Pillar and we are reminded that each day holds its own discoveries.

Namaskar





Captain William Clark's Signature, evidence of his visit to Pompeys Pillar

Thoughts about Waste and Abundance

Some neighbours of ours recently moved and they left a load of garbage behind. There didn’t seem to be any thought about whether the waste disposal service would even take the items. They left propane tanks, batteries, tools, a barbeque, metal, wood and mounds of garbage in bags and boxes. Some of the items were clearly still useable. Several coolers and buckets were in good shape and the barbeque looked fairly new and could possibly be refurbished. Other items such as the propane tanks and batteries should have been taken to the local eco station where disposal is free.

All of this garbage was dumped on the curb without any thought. This got me thinking about the waste that we generate. It is obvious that North America is a land of consumers and the things we consume we throw away at an astonishing rate.

We all wish for abundance in our lives which many of us translate into material wealth. This is only one small aspect of abundance. When I think of abundance I think of spiritual abundance. Spiritual abundance is our measure of contentment and happiness. Yes we need a certain amount of material wealth to be comfortable and basically happy. However, we also need peace, love, a sense of purpose and connection to the universal source.

The excessive waste that is generated seems to be symbolically linked to discontent in society. Perfectly good items are being thrown away and the amount of trash is a cause for concern not only for the environment but for the health and spiritual contentment of us all.

I am not saying that we cannot throw anything away. It is almost nearly impossible to not throw anything away. There is going to be a certain amount of trash that we will generate. However, it is the latent disregard and thoughtlessness of this throw away mentality that causes concern. Being thoughtful means being aware of the things we are throwing away and our effects on the environment and each other. When we throw things away we are harming the environment and we are harming ourselves.

Could the things we throw away have another use? Could they can be donated to a charity or recycled? I am absolutely amazed at how many people throw cans and bottles away. Not only are they throwing money away they are preventing these items from being recycled by tossing them in the garbage. Recycling programs are great and we should all participate.

There is also the issue of wasting resources. Even with sky high gas prices many of us will needlessly idle our vehicles to keep them warm or cool. Believing in abundance doesn’t mean that we shall take as much as we can and waste it all at will. We should use what is given to us with gratitude and appreciation and when we are done with the item can we find another use for it or recycle it? If we truly believe in abundance we should know that there is enough to go around for everyone.

Rampart consumerism is a symptom of unhappiness and lack of fulfilment. I read an article which stated that an average American has at least 7 credit cards. The first question is why? Obviously, to support out of control purchasing. Also, I read that most Americans have at least three cell phones. Consumer debt is out of control and is also a symptom that we are out of balance.

We really need to think about the purchases we make and the amount of waste it can generate. Instead of eating fast food and creating a lot of paper waste it would be better ( and healthier too) to purchase our meals at a grocery store. If we are shopping to buy things to make us feel good how long will that feeling last? Probably not long and the item we purchased will eventually end up on the curb. We need to rethink our spending habits and purchase those things that we truly need. Avoid purchases that will contribute to waste and purchases for the purpose of feeling good. We should be wise as consumers purchasing things that we need and thinking about the waste that we generate. If we are seeking spiritual fulfillment we should be looking elsewhere than in shopping malls. Consumerism leads to clutter and clutter can block our spiritual fulfillment.

I realized that I have thrown away things with disregard. This has given me a new perspective about the garbage I throw out on a weekly basis. Feeling I should do something about all the waste my neighbour dumped, I did pick up the items that could be safely disposed and took them to the eco centre. My Father took the Barbeque and cleaned it up. He changed the burners and it has now found a new use. I am trying to be more careful in my shopping habits with a view to buying things I can use and will not throw out after a short period of time. I believe that we can all make a difference and protect and enhance this beautiful planet.


Namaskar

Here is an interesting video about where all our stuff comes from and where it goes. An interesting perspective by Annie Leonard.

http:/storyofstuff/