Day 13: Reclaiming

Years ago I was an adventurer, backpacking in Yellowstone, biking long distances. My motto seemed to be, "Work hard. Play hard." Like many of us, over time my weekend pursuits became more and more domesticated. Long treks in the wilderness were replaced by swinging children in neighborhood parks.

One of my favorite memories is of a hike to Heart Lake in Yellowstone. Three friends and I had trekked in the eight miles to our destination late in the afternoon. The hike was more difficult than we had expected. What should have taken three hours stretched into a grueling five hour journey. Early in the hike it began to rain. We pulled out our ponchos and silently trudged toward our destination. Setting up camp in the dark drizzle was hardly what any of us had hoped for when we had planned our trip.

The next morning I rolled out of my sleeping bag and pulled back the flap of the tent to a stunning sight. Only a few yards away, was steam gently rising above the crystal blue water of Heart Lake. The protective backdrop of Mt. Sheridan hovered on the other side of the lake, her snowy reflection mirrored on the still water.

Quietly, so as not to disturb my companions, I started a fire and made coffee. When the black brew was ready, I poured it into my tin cup and sat on a log, peacefully soaking up the majestic vision. Wool gloves gripping my tin cup, I breathed in the steam...aroma and warmth a double dose of healing. Gracefully, geese skimmed the water, dancing in formation. The harmonious peace especially appreciated given the struggle to reach our destination.

These days, rather than starting out with gloved hands gripping a tin cup, I usually make a rather tame trek to the coffee pot--my greatest obstacle being a hungry yellow lab. Cup in hand, I settle in on my comfy couch. This is fine. This too is a good life.

However, recently I have noticed a certain hesitancy in my willingness to venture out and take risks. I have wondered if reclaiming some of that woman by Heart Lake wouldn't open me to embracing new challenges in my life today. A few weeks ago I bought new hiking boots. Kiki and I explored the Desoto Falls area. Malcolm and I brought mountain bikes with us on the ski lift to the top of the mountain in Park City and rode down the windy, aspen-clothed trail.

Surely my pursuits at 47 won't be as daring as those at 27. Yet I want to reclaim the adventurer in me. Not all adventures need to be physical of course. As I reclaim that woman by the lake, how will other aspects of my life be transformed? How will I be transformed?

Take a few minutes and contemplate if there is a part of you that you have (either consciously or inadvertently) shut down, ignored, denied. Think back to a time in your life when you felt most alive. What aspect of this self would you like to reclaim? Could you take one step in that direction today? Namaste