There is nothing more central to the human experience than the search for identity, no greater cause than the search for oneself, neither hunger nor peace. The fundamental desire of every human being is acceptance: love. Because of this desire, the search for true identity is often littered with a number of different facades; a remodeling of one's inner perception with changing social currents. While the true nature of identity lies well within the confines of the human body, many question these foreign sources in an attempt to create their own identity, usually far removed from what lies within. This dependence on foreign influences in shaping one's perception of one's identity creates a crucial dead end in the simultaneous search for acceptance. How then, with the constant presence of external factors and pressures, can one realize, to the fullest extent, the nature of one's true identity? ***Damn, the blanket is off again! Awakened by the persistent, biting wind, I readjust the thin space blanket and carefully rest my head on the improvised pillow; two rocks the size of a fist and some socks. It's hard to sleep tonight. After wandering for hours in the dark, guided only by our faded headlamps and our waning instincts, we are forced to bivouack at 9,000 feet; exposed and vulnerable. Somewhere between sleep and consciousness my eyes scan the ridge for some sign of the trail, I lose hope; there's no moon tonight. Thomas moves; I'm sure he's suffering in much the same way as me. Jon trembles audibly and constantly; I should be worried about his pre-hypothermic state, but I'm too tired to think about it. Tonight we talk about suffering. *** Suffering is perhaps one of the most prudent aspects of the search for identity. A......middle of paper......led to me, and tonight, more than ever, the reason is crystal clear. I try to find peace in the midst of anguish, suffering and pain; beyond which there is a genuine sense of humility, a reckoning of the scrawny human against the brute force of Mother Nature. Light. With light a departure from suffering, at least for the moment, and a clear vision of the path. Jon gets agitated first; he suffered more; left exposed and cold. Thomas and I wake up shortly after, put to the test by his impatience. As soon as the sun's rays begin to make their way over the horizon, we are already preparing to move. Never before has sunrise brought so much joy, this morning I find myself appreciating this daily event more than I ever have before, or I hope to soon. Sure of the integrity of my identity and what I perceive as such, I rejoin the reality of the day.