I was on vacation last week. Sometimes, our vacations are driven by place (e.g. "Let's go to the Black Hills"). Sometimes, they are driven by people (e.g. "Let's visit our friends in Arizona"). This vacation was a little bit of both - good friends in a beautiful place.
We did a little hiking during the week and this gave me a chance to reaffirm something I already knew about myself: When hiking with a group, I like to be last ("bring up the rear", so to speak). I'd like to think this is because I have some innate need to be the protector, the one who makes sure no one gets left behind. In reality, I fear my desire to be last is driven by something less noble. Being last ensures no one can photograph you from behind as you struggle to ascend some rocky trail. Nobody's backside looks all that great in those conditions, especially when juxtaposed against the surrounding natural beauty. If you are ever behind me on a hike and you feel the need to "capture the moment with a photo", please at least have the decency to pick a time when I'm near a large roundish boulder and not when I'm squeezing between two skinny trees.
I also attempted to practice a little meditation on this vacation. One day, in particular, found us on the sandy shores of Lake Superior. It was a sunny afternoon and I lay back on a beach towel, closed my eyes and just listened to the lake. The waves were breaking at regular, deliberate intervals. With each crash, I imagined any stress in my body being scrubbed, each recession was a gentle rinsing. It was as if I was a pan that had been left on the burner too long, its contents scorched and blackened and Lake Superior was a determined dishwasher, intent upon restoring me to my original condition. It was quite relaxing and I managed to meditate myself to sleep. I awoke to find that apparently my "original condition" included a sun-burned face. Even so, it was rejuvenating.
All in all, a wonderful time.
We did a little hiking during the week and this gave me a chance to reaffirm something I already knew about myself: When hiking with a group, I like to be last ("bring up the rear", so to speak). I'd like to think this is because I have some innate need to be the protector, the one who makes sure no one gets left behind. In reality, I fear my desire to be last is driven by something less noble. Being last ensures no one can photograph you from behind as you struggle to ascend some rocky trail. Nobody's backside looks all that great in those conditions, especially when juxtaposed against the surrounding natural beauty. If you are ever behind me on a hike and you feel the need to "capture the moment with a photo", please at least have the decency to pick a time when I'm near a large roundish boulder and not when I'm squeezing between two skinny trees.
I also attempted to practice a little meditation on this vacation. One day, in particular, found us on the sandy shores of Lake Superior. It was a sunny afternoon and I lay back on a beach towel, closed my eyes and just listened to the lake. The waves were breaking at regular, deliberate intervals. With each crash, I imagined any stress in my body being scrubbed, each recession was a gentle rinsing. It was as if I was a pan that had been left on the burner too long, its contents scorched and blackened and Lake Superior was a determined dishwasher, intent upon restoring me to my original condition. It was quite relaxing and I managed to meditate myself to sleep. I awoke to find that apparently my "original condition" included a sun-burned face. Even so, it was rejuvenating.
All in all, a wonderful time.
2 comments:
I like to be in the back when hiking when a group. When you have people behind you it always feels like there is so much pressure to move faster. In the back you can take your time and learn from how the others navigate streams etc.
The beach sounds like fun. I like your meditation images. Very relaxing.
Sounds like a great vacation. If you ever want a combo place/people destination, I hear Georgia is quite petty. :)
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