Good Morning, Dear Creator –
Well, it’s a cool, drizzly, overcast morning; certainly different than yesterday and last week. It looks like a good chance of rain through mid-morning, and then clearing with the temperature popping up to the mid-80’s.
This is the kind of dynamic that becomes part of the curriculum when teaching in the outdoors. To me, it’s an exciting challenge, and an important skill to share, of how to plan and prepare for a wide range of temperatures and varying weather conditions.
And, Dear Reader, as you’ve gotten to know me, this won’t surprise you – I see this kind of planning and preparation for wide and varying conditions as a deeper practice of flexibility and adaptability. Whatever situation we face in our lives – family, work, friends, or some other new and different struggle – the unexpected will occasionally occur. The key to success, when faced with the unknown, is to find a way to adapt and to apply what we know we can do.
No matter how we try to prepare and train for it all, there’s just no way to plan for every contingency. So, when something arises outside of our knowledge base and comfort zone, we have two choices: fear and panic, because we haven’t rehearsed this exact scenario; or, trust in ourselves and the skills we have, adapting and applying those skills to the situation we now face.
Ultimately, even in the midst of a challenging new adventure, we are invited to learn more – about ourselves, about interaction and connection with others, and about our skill set. As we navigate the waters of each challenge and acquire new knowledge, we also deepen our experience and self-confidence.
I also want to share some reflections of my experience with my final tune-up paddling yesterday. I observed Matt leading the Kayak Discovery Course. We had three participants – two employees, and a fiancée of one of the employees.
https://twitter.com/LLBeanNH/status/737016951088812032
The weather was overcast and a little breezy, creating some chop in exposed sections. I paddled in a different style kayak than I’ve paddled the other times I’ve gone out, just to see the difference.
So, I certainly appreciated getting to see the form of the class, in an unofficial capacity – I really feel more prepared for this morning’s class.
What I really noticed, though, is on a much more personal level – I really enjoyed being out on the water with others. The first time I kayaked was with Matt and his girlfriend, and I was focused more on what I was doing in my kayak. Since then, I’ve only kayaked alone.
Kayaking as a group, the time just flew by. The interaction, and sharing the experience, was really joyful. It has me really looking forward to the dynamic of these classes – that each class will bring together different people, and we will share our own unique experience. That’s definitely exciting.
And, I feel like I’m finding my community. Even the night before, I met up with Robert, a co-worker, and Allison, his fiancée, at the driving range, to hit golf balls after work. It was fun hanging out and getting to know them. Then, they joined us for yesterday’s kayaking adventure.
It’s fun to have people with whom I can share adventures, and spend time and interests; all the while developing relationships. Yay!
Here’s a Prompt for today:
Think about the last unexpected challenge you faced – maybe a car accident, an unforeseen fight with a loved one, or some shocking news.
How did you respond? Did you first experience a moment of panic – “What do I do?”
That’s normal. But, how about after that?
Replay it, and notice when you went back to what you knew you could do, and you adapted that to the situation.
If that didn’t happen, what else worked? Notice that, too.
In the space of today, can you see a different way to respond and proceed? Play with that, because it’s all a way to learn and practice.
Dear Guides, thank you for helping me be myself, but continue to deepen and grow!
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