I am trying to be more like a tree. Last year, a
friend gave me a little booklet called Things Trees Know which I carry
around with me as a source of inspiration. The book is composed of a collection
of quotes that underscore the strength, wisdom and resilience of trees. They are a
reminder for me to stay rooted to the ground - sure of who I am and where I
stand – but also a reminder to always keep growing, keep going and keep
reaching for the sky. Trees grow upward, but they always stays rooted to the
same place. They are unmoveable and
sturdy; a mark of continuity, consistency and dependability. My roots are my
home – the place I go back to when I get tired of it all. My roots are where I
turn to when I am in need of familiarity, safety and comfort.
On the other side of the balance there is the river;
representing uncertainty and change. In another one of my prized little books, Living beautifully with uncertainty and change, the author, Pema Chodron
explains that humans have a natural tendency to seek solid ground under their
feet; to seek certainty and safety. When the ground starts to shift, when plans
fall apart and things go awry; we cling to shore, cling to safety; grasp at any
piece of ground that allows us to feel in control once again. In these moments,
it is the river that teaches me to let go. It teaches me to “go with the flow”;
to let myself be transported by the current downriver and see where it takes
me. Even when the waters get a bit rough and turbulent; I have learned to let
go of my fears and enjoy the ride. Besides, in the immortal words of Super Dave, “what
could possibly go wrong?”
This trip is about both rivers and roots. As a Masters
student working on my thesis, I am here to learn, to build knowledge and to
develop professionally. I am here to expand my understanding of the world and
to grow as a person. As a kayaker, I am here to have fun, seek adventure and
improve my paddling skills by running some big rapids.
Over the next few months I will be working and paddling with
a group of women involved in the first ever ALL women ALL skills adventure
tourism company based in Kathmandu, Nepal ( Himalayan Adventure Girls ).
Although, the details of what we will be doing and what my role will be are
still a bit flimsy and unclear, I am embracing the uncertainty and waiting to
see where the current will take me.
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