Beautiful scenery, time with a very dear friend, hikes with my husband and the wettest June in 30 years, our Maine vacation. Thankfully, the constant drizzle, fog and lack of sun didn’t stop us from creating a STATE OF MAINE. Harmony, solitude and contemplative moments come to mind when I push out the thoughts of very large mosquitoes, hiking through muddy bogs and slippery slope that got the best of me.
My husband’s idea of a picnic lunch was a secluded spot where we had to walk on logs through the bog to get away from the mosquitoes, temporarily. Reminder to self, bring mosquito netting the next time we go to Maine. It was also one of the last time we would see blue sky for the next 5 days. Lunch was bagels and peanut butter and warm beer from a local brewery. Tranquility was what this trip was about, and I must admit it was a picture perfect lunch.
An ultimate white water rafting trip was on schedule for Glen. For me, a ½ day mini retreat, alone in a cabin by the lake, an opportunity to listen to nature, was my limit for peace and quiet. Time spent usefully, rediscovering bits and pieces of countless notes on relaxation techniques. Listening to the rain hit the tin roof was very peaceful, but finding out we stayed in a cabin in the North Country of Maine, off the Golden Road, (this equates to very remote and far away from civilization for a suburban girl) that was bringing in a band was a pleasant surprise after a time of solitude.
Hiking I discovered was like my life at times. First there is a point of no return you just have to keep moving forward, would just be worse to turn back. Trails that appeared fine, until you got into the slopes and gullies of muck caused by rain and more rain. I created my own personal walking meditative mindfulness mantra, “don’t fall, be careful, stay aware,” Another useful bit of wisdom that became crystal clear was, don’t hold onto dead trees, they won’t support you when you need them. Also, sometimes being present to the moment is a bit difficult. Hard to look up and be aware of the beautiful shoreline when it was extremely necessary to watch every step you take. Can’t always take in the big picture when it is imperative to keep focusing on what is immediately in front of you. Learn to ask for help, can’t always do it alone, whether hiking or back home, not asking for help can be disastrous.
Reward yourself after a significant accomplishment, stop and catch your breath. Enjoy the surroundings; take in the sights, smells, sounds, memories that will stay with you. After days of hiking to the top of the mountain, climb down to celebrate with friends and family.
Lack of sunshine brought cooler temperatures, time to reenergize, reflection on what I want to accomplish for the coming year. When all is said and done a sometimes relaxing vacation that I can reflect on to keep a relaxed presence the rest of the year for myself and my patients. Ironically, it was during a massage session after my vacation that enlightenment came to me. Who would have thought that inside Dove wrappers were inspirational messages. As I waited for my client I read her collection and the one that spoke to me after my many hikes was
And on her walls the words inscribed were words of wisdom from someone so young. It goes to show that wisdom is always around us.
Plan your life as if you
will live forever.
Play as if you only
Have today.
