Sunday, April 26, 2020

Noticing the Beauty Around

While talking through recent COVID-19 experiences with dialogue colleagues, my mind began to wander: images of past kayaking and rafting trips surfaced.  Was this the result of being isolated too long -- the inability to stay focused as others shared their "secure at home" stories?!

Using memories of being on uncharted waters, I told the others of these earlier times, and explored the similarity of being out on the water with these COVID days.

Are we ever prepared for the unexpected?
(Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip, Juneau, Alaska)
In each of the organized float trips I have experienced, the guide reviewed safety procedures and what to do if someone fell out of the raft or kayak.  I recalled competing feelings of nervousness and calm:  facing the unexpected but having a competent guide along for the ride.

The initial segment of each trip focused on: acclimating to each person's responsibilities; gaining confidence in self and others; and negotiating the still waters.

Then, the fun began!

How do you handle rough times?
(Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip, Juneau, Alaska) 

No matter how much we prepared or relied on the guide's wisdom, there were times when the unexpected happened... and we all had to respond in that moment:
  • Accepting the unexpected;
  • Going with the flow; and,
  • Trusting self and others.

Once we reached calm waters, the exhilaration of surviving -- together -- flooded over us!


When do you notice the beauty surrounding you?
(Rafting in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska)

My lasting memories, though, surrounded the polarities embedded in the experience:
  • The energy needed to navigate traveling up-river and fighting the rapids;
  • The awareness of surrounding beauty when times were calm.

Also, when navigating the rapids, our focus seemed fixed on objects close at hand; whereas, during calm times, we could look outward and broaden our awareness.

I would offer that dialogue skills are even more important during these uncertain times:
  • Are we listening to the professionals who are explaining how to remain safe?
  • What skills are we practicing and relying on while "safe at home"?
  • Do we notice when our focus is more inward (self) or more outward (others)?

May we notice the Beauty Surrounding us as we negotiate these COVID rapids!  

Larry Gardepie

(click on link for website)









1 comment: