Not today's wave. This is me on Pipeline in Idaho. If you read Day #4, then it comes as no surprise that surfing the incredible play wave was best! My day stacked up nicely in terms of best experiences…Dolce and I shared a hike in what felt like undiscovered mountains. We were the only people out there and I realized that it caused my senses to heighten. Each time Dolce stopped and looked intensely into the distance I wondered if there was a bear or mountain lion, I too stopped and listened to the silence. In that pause, I heard the still small noises of the mountains. It startled me a bit to notice how often I am alone in nature and how it generally does not scare me. I affirmed (because I admit that I was a little nervous) my faith that no creature intends harm to any other creature. I noticed how fear impacted me and diminished the joy in the experience. I questioned whether I “belonged” out there? What would I do if something or someone “attacked” me? Pausing to let that sink in, I realize how debilitating fear is (real or imagined). Fear in its primal state has purpose: running for my life when being chased (think caveman days), fighting for one’s life when it is appropriate. Other than its base uses (fight or flight), fear doesn’t really serve an intention to live joyously or for a higher purpose. It’s a bit of a shackle. It’s powerful, particularly when used as an agent to attain power over something or someone. This writing has no conclusion…I am inviting you to consider your relationship to fear. Does it empower you or prohibit you? What is your relationship with it? Is there anything you can change with respect to fear that will improve the quality of your life? I’m asking myself the same questions. Back to that hike…it was spectacular!
Day #5: What’s Best? ~ a contemplative mountain hike, a home gym away from home workout, some great surfing on a wave, and an unexpected dinner with family.
Day #5: What’s Best? ~ a contemplative mountain hike, a home gym away from home workout, some great surfing on a wave, and an unexpected dinner with family.
I share often about chance meetings with random people and how I am consistently impacted by the love and grace I feel with perfect strangers. Perhaps today’s “what’s best?” highlight was my meeting with Tony. Tony is the owner or co-owner of 4Corners Riversports. https://www.riversports.com/ One of the guys at the wave pointed to Tony and said something about him owning the local boater shop. After countless rides on the standing wave and being encouraged by the guys in the eddie (via hooting and hollering and dozens of “get it girl” shouts), I had to peel myself away for dinner with family. I floated down river to where my car was parked and as I was getting out of my boat Tony arrived – heading for his car in the same parking lot. Because I frequently surf this kayak in the ocean, many of the components suffer from salt erosion. The ratchet system that keeps me tight inside the boat (and thus more able to roll and drive the boat) had become stripped. I asked Tony if in fact he was owner of the shop and if he possibly had these ratchets (pointing to my corroded kayak parts) in stock. He said no, we would have to order something like that. I dropped my head in a disappointed tilt and explained to Tony about living in the RV, being on a quick trip, hoping to keep surfing but concerned about the stripped ratchets. He said: “know what, I can help you out. I will pull a set out of one of our demo boats and order new ones for the demo. Can you stop by the shop now and I will get you hooked up?” I knew that I was already pushing the dinner engagement. I said “Oh, that would be great! Thanks so much. I am already probably late for dinner…” then demurely “is there any chance I can bring it in tomorrow morning?” Tony didn’t miss a beat. He said “I’m going back to the shop now, just throw the boat into my truck and I will have it all ready for you tomorrow morning.” I was elated and profusely appreciative. We walked to his truck, talking about all things kayaks and biking. I asked Tony if he needed money from me, a name, phone number…nope! He would simply take care of it and the boat would be waiting at his shop. Needless to say, the next day it was. New ratchets, the knee pads properly glued back in and a shop full of cool kayaker people who will get all of my business when in or near Durango, CO. People are incredible - given a chance, they want to help, they want to be kind and they want to exchange love. This was a loving exchange.
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