Travelling has become something very special to me. I love exploring new spaces, returning to old favorites, and being jolted from structure and routine.
When travelling, things don’t always go as planned. This is when going with the flow can be a game changer. Instead of dwelling on what was supposed to happen, letting that go and opening your mind to what is happening can reveal a whole new view on things.
On my current journey, with my hubby, we’ve made it to the Canadian west coast. There were glitches along the way. But we got here. It’s beautiful and totally worth the effort.
It does rain a lot on the coast. We came prepared. We did a long hike day despite the rain. The pathways through the forest make for great shelter and a refreshing, lush experience.
The day after, the rain was unrelenting. We enjoyed a more chill day eating fish and chips, drinking craft beer, and getting cozy by the fire. On these types of days, I read a lot.
Then, we woke to a bright, sunny day. We crammed in several hikes, explored tide pools, ventured into the rain forest, and even had happy hour by the beach. We ended the day with a viewing of the sunset on the rocks by the shore.
As we watched the surfers at sunset, I was pulled into the ebb and flow of the waves. I realized that the days we have spent out here have felt natural. Going with the flow of nature, the weather, our internal clocks, and letting ourselves be has been wonderful.
I’m reminded that even when I go back home, I need to take time like this to let myself be. To go with ebb and flow of my internal guide.
As per our experience so far, every local person we encountered went out of their way to make sure we were on the right track.As soon as we stepped into the forest and started our trek up the trail, my inner being sunk into a peaceful energy. The climb started immediately and it was steep! I fell into that old pattern of finding my flow. The one where my physical, mental and spiritual beings all align with each other, and with nature.
The sounds of nature sung around us. We relished in the squeaking of monkeys and the otherwise silence. Occassionally the trees would crack and creak in the breeze.No people. No buildings. Just us, the monkeys and the forest.The trail had many steep stretches. It was hard work, but it felt good. I fell into the rhythm I knew well. My husband told me of the 1000 day challenge. The trail is a pilgrimage path, and monks do it every day for 1000 days, fasting for 10 consecutive days during the challenge. I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was working hard.
Reaching the peak was rewarding. The view was stunning. We rested and had a picnic. No fasting for me.The real reward, however, was quite unexpected. A little more hiking took us to the Dai Ko-do temple (beside Bell Tower). We removed our boots, slid the door open and entered. We sat cross legged. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. The scent of incense filled me. It calmed me. My mind was clear.
Before leaving, I participated in the purchase (by donation) of an incense stick that you light and place in a bowl among others. It is intended to be in memory of someone. I took a moment for silent reflection.
The descent was awesome. There was a bus that took us down the mountain and within blocks of our hotel!A shower and happy hour were waiting for us. The zen feeling lasted into the evening. Now I’m going to crave meditation on every mountain peak.
I now believe that self-realization is a very personal path. It is different for each unique being. For me, I will not obtain it unless I live more purposefully. I must stop constantly looking…
When you know it’s time to push, don’t be afraid. Find a way, and just do it.
Just a Girl and a Bike 