How natural terrain shapes us: Finding metaphor in mountains and oceans

A friend from Montana recently moved to the Bay Area, and adjusting to life here has been quite a journey for her. Montana, with its remote, spacious beauty, is a world apart from the bustling, energetic Bay Area.

When I first moved to Montana, I finally understood why it’s called Big Sky Country. The towering, dramatic mountains seem to frame the sky, making it feel expansive and infinite. For my friend, the mountains had a grounding presence. “They made me feel secure and grounded,” she shared. “I felt safe living next to the mountains.”

Now, living near the ocean in San Francisco, she’s finding herself surrounded by a very different energy. “The ocean is wild and exuberant,” she says. “I don’t feel so safe here.”

The Metaphor of Terrain

Our natural surroundings don’t just shape our physical environment—they speak to us through metaphor. Words like wild, exuberant, grounded, secure, and infinite are more than descriptors; they are qualities we feel on a deep, intuitive level.

The terrain where we live is constantly “working” us, influencing our emotions, thoughts, and energy in ways that often go beyond conscious awareness. It reflects and shapes our inner world, offering metaphoric lessons about who we are and where we are in life.

Mountains vs. Oceans

For me, the mountains of Montana also brought a sense of safety. Their solid, immovable presence felt like an anchor, a place to feel rooted and at home. But I realize now that I left Montana because I needed a different metaphoric energy to move through me.

The Pacific Ocean, with its ever-changing tides and endless horizon, brings a flow of life that I find both inspiring and renewing. Its wild, untamed energy reminds me to stay open to change and embrace the unpredictable rhythms of creativity and transformation.

What Does Your Terrain Teach You?

Our landscapes have a way of mirroring our inner needs and growth. Mountains may offer grounding and security, while the ocean might call us to adventure and flow. Wherever you live, take a moment to reflect: What is your terrain teaching you? What metaphoric qualities is it offering you to explore?

By tuning into the metaphors of the natural world, we can better understand ourselves and the energy we need to thrive. Whether you’re nestled in the mountains, drawn to the waves, or somewhere in between, the land speaks—if we’re willing to listen.