It’s an Adventure !

“Its an adventure” thus the weekend race begins with the theme song of ” Staying alive” as the soundtrack to this media release.   At the sight of sedimentary rock formations to run on,  the Southern ocean at low tide to swim /  paddle then a cycle twice up a hill nicknamed heartbreak the spirit of adventure begins.  What if we could meet all aspects of our lives as an adventure? Work challenges, relationship rifts and financial crisis would they seem insurmountable with a  comeraderie, can do, she be right attitude?

 

Rock Solid

Being rock solid standing with feet rooted into the earth takes determination when there are terrorist attacks, retrenchment and festive season  impending.   When running along the rocks at Augusta lighthouse taking life one step at a time became vital to prevent falling and staying on track.  Multi skilling has been a habit and expectation I need to change. It scatters my focus and energy.  The simplicity of giving one task my undivided attention, completing this then moving on has centred me and dropped the drama I create.

Recently I had an aha moment where I had to remind myself and others that “S” is for Susanjane not “Superwoman”. Congratulations and bless all the Superwomen (and their support crew) for doing it all with flair and success. I am handing on my cape and lycra body suite – working on staying grounded.   Yes I will have adrenalin withdrawal, yearn for missions impossible and juggling it all.  The irregularity of finding a foothold on boulders made me appreciate how a slip in judgement and distraction from other duties leads to fallout.

 

 

Rock on

On and on we travel one foot, one arm stroke, one breath at a time to reach our goals.  Rocking on, persisting, maintaining the discipline and motivation takes perspiration.  Why do it? a question everyone faces.  The answer ” We give it a go” as we seek adventures.  Participation is not about being the winner or an expert. Its celebrating that we are lucky enough to have opportunities and can “risk it for the biscuit” as it was chanted in the Australian movie: Oddball.

Rocking on in life is picking yourself up, dusting off the greasy, grime when falling and failing.  Did not finish has not ever been put on a tombstone to my knowledge.  Legends come from turning up and keeping on despite obstacles.  Contrary to rebukes that “Your crazy”  I know I am not alone in the “crazy” taking chances at falling in life. Fear of failure is the greatest obstacle to  change.   I can see my smilie kneecap scar and remember failing to see the skimmer lid off the pool while coaching swimming.

 

 

Two Rock

Two rock is knowing that somewhere in the world there is someone else facing a similar challenge as I am negotiating.  I shared this concept with mothers in labour and witnessed how they drew strength in this community of birthing women, facing fears together.  Even in competing participants warned each other of dangers, gave a helping hand to wounded and shouted out encouragement or taunting.

Shared humanity helps us feel not so alone in facing suffering for there is another out there meeting the same problem.  Drawing ourselves beyond our lives to embrace someone’s  situation, broadens our capacity for compassion.  Thupten Jinpa (2015) describes how someone “just like me” has the need for compassion, in meditating on these sentiments listed below we grow our intention for compassion.   I picture loved ones and recite these intentions when worried and it has been a blessing.

“May you be free from this suffering…

May you experience peace and joy…

May you be free from this suffering…

May you experience peace and joy…

 

 

The adventure of living

The adventurer David Silberkleit (2002) discusses how one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to adventure is choosing between big adventures and everyday ones.  We can be reenergised with a fresh perspective when we have an adventure a day extending beyond our comfort zones whether it be seeking a new way home or a different recipe.  Razden, A (2006) writes how engaging in simple adventures allows us to form supportive bonds, hopeful attitudes and adjust to  uncertainties.  Judy Wolf  states it brilliantly

“Each of us is the hero in our own life which is after all the real adventure.”

References

Jinpa, T (2015) A fearless Heart Why compassion is the key to greater wellbeing” Penguin Group , U.S.A.

Razden, A (2006) Everyday adventures, Experience life, June

Silberkleit, D (2002) A new adventure every day: 541 simple ways to live with Pizzazz,

Thankyou Mark, Michele, Jasmine, Mathew, & Sienna  for an excellent adventure at Augusta  Anaconda