I haven’t been outdoors hiking or skiing for 4 days, and today, noticed the impact on me: I’ve been living in my head, which, in my experience, is the worst place for me to be. I’ve allowed myself to be addicted to ‘knowing what’s going on’ to the point that I watch all the news and announcements in real time, if I can. With the speed the Covid-19 pandemic has been evolving, this has left me reeling.
Today I drew a line in the sand, left it all behind, and went to the Gats.
I needed to clear my head. I needed to find a clear space.
I skied, but I also ambled around Taylor Lake checking out the summer camp sites, and also checking out some creeks along the ski trail. A few years ago, I camped at Taylor Lake and it is a hidden gem with secluded sites along the natural rocky shoreline. Here are a few photos, of peaceful spaces near Taylor Lake. It’s spaces like these that ground me.
Driving up to the Gats I listened to music by Carrie Newcomer and her song, Learning to Sit with Not Knowing, inspired me, so I plan to be more intentional about getting to the Gats during this time, and making certain that I find and connect with what she calls “clear spaces, where there’s something holding, steady and true”.
The lyrics to her song are below. If you’d like to hear her sing, here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_t8WqgKL3I
I’m Learning to Sit With Not Knowing
I’m learning to sit with not knowing. When I don’t see where its going. Cool my heels and start slowing. I am learning to sit with not knowing. I’m learning to sit with what’s next.
I’m learning to sit with what’s next. What if and my best guess. Be kinder when it’s a process. I’m learning to live with what’s next.
Chorus: Here’s a clear space I’ve chosen
Where the denseness of this world opens
Where there’s something holding steady and true. Regardless of me or you
I’m learning live with the high stakes. Befriending my mistakes
Lay my hand where my heart aches. I’m learning live with the high stakes
Chorus: Here’s a clear space I’ve chosen
Where the denseness of this world opens
Where there’s something holding steady and true. Regardless of me or you
I’m learning to live with what takes time. No ribbon across some finish line. Stop feeling I’m always a day behind. I’m learning to live with what takes time
I’m learning to sit with not knowing. When I don’t see where its going. Cool my heels and start slowing. am learning to sit with not knowing
- by Carrie Newcomer
