July Newsletter... and solo trips
Hello, happy July to you.
Some of you know that canoe camping is a passion of mine. What you may not know is that I enjoy going solo. For a long time that perplexed me. I mostly live and work alone … why would I want to take my vacation time alone as well?
About 20 years ago, on a five day trip, I had an experience that clarified at least one reason.
I was camped on a beautiful site, on a secluded lake in the north section of Algonquin Park. I had had some good portages the day before so I was thinking I would allow myself a slower day … time for some watercolour painting, swimming and reading/napping in my hammock before moving on. With that decision made I went for a swim, the first of many that day.
After some relaxed front crawl and a bit of floating, I headed back towards shore. As I was coming out of the water I felt a wanting in my body and I heard myself say. “Oh … I want pancakes!
That might not seem earth shattering to you. However, for me, in that moment, I suddenly understood two things:
1. that I had the ingredients to satisfy that desire and
2. there was no one to check in with, to see if that would be their desire as well. No negotiation required, no wrestling inside either.
That's when it hit me: I go camping alone to find out what I need and want.
Solo canoe tripping allows me to practice, without other influences from the outside world, without anyone else to please or care for, really listening to what I want. Canoe camping is where I attend to myself without any distractions like the news, the laundry or social media.
All these years later, I find I'm better at pausing and noticing what I want and need right where I am.
Sometimes I'm even able to act on that need, even if it doesn't quite work for the others involved. Sometimes I am able to find a negotiated path that meets everyones needs, including mine.
I continue to go canoe camping on my own for that practice … as well as simply for the sheer joy of it.
What about you? Are you aware of what you need and want as you go about your day?
Once you do know, is it easy or hard for you to offer that to yourself?
What's your experience of interweaving both yours and others' needs with equal weighting?
I invite you to share your comments below and/or
join us over on the Living Aligned Facebook page.
Here is a short audio clip that might help you to pause and
connect with yourself and your needs.
What's Coming Up
This month's workshop is exploring Change ... whether it's happening to you or one you are wishing for... let's learn more about your relationship with it using the Living Aligned framework.
Email me to register.
Members free.
Despite the above story, I also like canoe tripping with people... and I sure would love the opportunity to do so with you!
I am delighted to have been invited to join this 4 day adventure with Desire to Discover.
(How fitting a company name is that? )
I will be weaving in creative writing opportunities.
Free Gatherings to Nourish Your Creative Spirit
Details on our website program page.
Do you have a creative something you want to be working on but it seems everything else take precedence?
Let us be your be creative buddy.
We arrive on zoom, we have a bit of community time, checking in as we each grab the tools we need and settle into our space … and then we focus on it for the time we have.
We gather on Zoom
(mostly monthly)
to connect with ourselves,
our creativity and
each other.
A warm welcome to our new subscribers and to anyone who may have received this newsletter from a friend. I hope something here resonates. If so, please consider subscribing for occasional news and updates.
I look forward to maybe meeting you at one of the above gatherings or at one of the weekly
Arts-based Self-care Practice's this month.