Whether at home, work, or leisure, we seek out what is routine and normal: those Patterns of Familiarity which bring comfort and a sense of security. Just think of what soothes you throughout the day: your typical wake up time; the morning beverage and food that starts the day; steps taken to ensure Loved Ones are prepared for their day; the route to work or what is completed before work begins… so many comfortable or normal patterns that define our days.
I wonder if that is why so many people felt uprooted or unnerved these past few years as our “normal” days were changed… we were afloat… life’s ordinariness beyond our control.
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| Where is your focus? (Photo: Hawaiian Sunset, Larry Gardepie) |
As these pandemic-affected years have given way to a different normal, I have found the need to break free from my day-to-day life, a desire to vacate the routines — “vacation from” these norms. My solace is being on the ocean, a routine familiar before COVID… but also changed. Each day is recognizable, but there are Moments Inspired — beyond my control — that distract me from the norms and usual rhythms of a day at sea.
Sometimes a breakthrough occurs as I encounter a new situation, cross paths with a companion traveler, or catch site of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. The day seems different because of these unexpected encounters: life is changed!
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| What rays of hope do you see on the horizon? (Photo: Sunset over Pacific Ocean, Larry Gardepie) |
As I grow older, I find that I need both the familiar and the unexpected… the normal and the extraordinary… and I have limited control over what happens next! Life is Good when I handle what I can, and then go along for the ride when the unexpected happens.
Seeking balance sometimes means letting go of my perceptions of how life should be — how I want it to be — and realize that others are experiencing much different realities than mine.
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| Can you see the goodness in yourself and others? (Photo: Sunset over Sea of Cortez, Larry Gardepie) |
For instance, the war between Russia and Ukraine has unbalanced many of our lives. Am I willing to let go of my frustration and anger over higher prices and realize that others are suffering much greater losses than I am? Can I listen to a larger global message and realize that wars between nations and difficulties between individuals have similar roots? Can I see goodness in others even when our norms are not aligned?
May we focus on the unexpected. May we accept when future horizons cannot be controlled. May we find a Willingness Within to see goodness in others.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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