Four years ago I spent 22 days hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, it was one of the most gratifying and beautiful trips I’ve ever taken.

Along the way I was lucky enough to spend time with the people of this amazing country. The people that I met were hard-working, warm and inviting, living relatively simple, family-oriented lives.

They offered me a solid example of how to make the most out of this life.

When my friends and I reached a town called Manang, we spent several days there acclimatizing including one day in which we hiked to the top of the highest peak in search of a blessing for safe crossing of Throng La Pass (the highest point of our trip at 17,000+ feet). I received a reassuring and gentle blessing from a 90-year-old monk along with a necklace that, now four years later, I still wear.

It seems it is my turn to send a message of safe passage and blessing to the people of Nepal.

On Saturday, Nepal and the Everest area were hit with a horrific earthquake. The first actual footage from the scene has just been put online. I am keeping these brave and terrified people in my thoughts.

I am not a religious person but I believe in good people and doing the right thing so I am mustering all the positive vibes I can and sending them to Nepal and it’s people.

Here’s a quick link to seven different charities helping the people of Nepal. 

Below is a video of the avalanche at the base of Mount Everest, some of the first raw footage to come out of the country after the earthquake.

Relephant: 

Urgent: Here’s How We Can Help Nepal Right Now.

Author: Brenna Fischer 

Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: screenshot