Connection

Photo Credit: Jamie Cohen Breneman

On a boat along the Na Pali coast on a windy day I found myself sitting alone on the back of the boat - just how the seats worked out. Or was it? It occurred to me that I often isolate myself. The truth is that banal conversation, talking about beer or weather... I find it more draining than uplifting. Most of the time, I'd rather close my eyes and enjoy the wind. And this is what I did.

At some point I opened my eyes and looked towards the front of the boat only to realize I couldn't see beyond it. I looked behind me and watched the coast get smaller and disappear into the wake of the boat, the spray eventually covering the mountains with heavily distorted scale.

A voice within me whispered, "It's not in front of or behind you - be here now." I turned into the sun and felt the warmth against my skin. I wanted to enjoy the moment and be present with it. Closing my eyes and feeling the spray, I was getting rather jostled. I was using so many things to hold on.. but letting go of the rail and trusting in my body I sat engaged, moving with the boat waiting for the sun to cool and sink lower in the sun.

Photo Credit: Jamie Cohen Breneman

It is amazing to watch the island come closer and move farther away - the perspective and size changing with every wave as we move. The power of nature is something never to be underestimated. Whether it is the formation and shaping of islands by volcanos and earthquakes, the torrent of a hurricane, crashing waves and undertow - there are times when we as humans, despite our desire to believe we can control such things, are left to gape in wonder at how much strength is contained therein. Looking at the stars at night or staring up at the rugged and raw coast of Kauai, I can't help but feel gratitude and respect for life in all its forms and magnitudes. There is no small and big, no better or worse, we are all connected. 

With Light,

Michelle