An Appointment with Life
12 September 2014 | 37 51.87'N:122 29.51'W, Sausalito, CA
Deanna
One month into the trip, and it's clear to me - I have an appointment with life! This journey is a unique opportunity. I can show up or not. I can be fully engaged or miss much of the experience. It's now or never! Let me explainÉ
One month ago, we departed from Esquimalt Harbour. Since then, every day has been filled with new experiences and each day has been different.
At first, I felt like I was floating in a sea of change - sometimes it was enjoyable and calm and other times were bumpy and rough. I kept looking for anchors - parts of my day that would feel routine, familiar and comfortable. I realize now that I was looking for my life to be the SAME as home, and fighting that it was different.
One month later, I've relaxed and I'm embracing the unfamiliarity of living on a sailboat. And this means showing up, really showing up.
For example, when I sit outside on the webbed trampoline of our catamaran, I take a moment to feel the wind come up from below me, as well as wind blowing around me, It's easier to sit inside or in the cockpit, and not engage my senses. However, the sensation of the wind is delightful, and I'd hate to miss this feeling entirely.
Also, I'm so glad I didn't miss a wildlife viewing in the Potato Slough. I dismissed some strange sounds as being bird-like. Thankfully, Mark payed more attention, and discovered the sounds came from three glistening, slippery sea otters near the boat. They appeared to be a family - two adults and a young one. The high-pitched sound came from the little otter whenever he became too far away from the adults. Watching these creatures was a delight, and this experience could have been easily missed.
Being fully present and showing up for new experiences does take work. I easily tune out, and I am most aware of this habit when we get a wi-fi connection. My I-phone immediately pulls me into my head and into a little world - a world where I can easily miss amazing experiences that are directly in front of me.
I have an appointment with life - an opportunity to pay attention to the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feelings around me. Every moment matters - and it will be gone in an instant. Show up! Show up! Show up!