Alignment
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
As we pulled out of town for the 1 ½ hour trip to Mount Maunganui on the East coast, my friend fired questions from her Needs and Wants Program, courtesy of her new life coach. However, soon our other needs and wants kicked in—coffee, lighter conversation, directions—and the quiz went uncompleted until just a few minutes ago. Now, having finished the tedious number-crunching to get pretty unsurprising results, I realize that this weekend was truly perfectly aligned with what I need and what I want.
Adventure/Seeking the Unknown—most of my friends know that even if they are usually excellent at directions, just being in my presence makes tossed salad of their skills. My friend and I spent plenty of time searching…for Papamoa Beach where her friend lives, for the climbing rocks on “The Mount.” But, as is usually the case, the search is part of the adventure. While we circled The Mount, bags weighted with ropes and gear, we had an absolutely spectacular view of the ocean, of beaches and boats, of flax and toi toi plants, of birds and snorkelers. And, after a steep goat-track scramble and someone who knew how to answer: “Are there rocks we can climb around here?” we found our spot.
Discovery and learning—the names of plants, where those rocks to climb really are. Discovering that a group of 3 women can be completely self-sufficient (no thanks to me) to set routes and ropes for an afternoon of climbing. Discovering that the reason everyone who passes us has an American accent is that giant cruise ship napping in the harbor that expelled them. Realizing that it doesn’t take much to feel completely satisfied, completely at peace. That there’s never a loss of things to willingly research and study. Like the perfect shell found on the beach.
Beauty and Pleasure—silliness of cartwheels on the beach, sliding down banisters, birthday theme party planning, hot pools after exercise, orange cointreau sipped with chocolate cake, eaten at various stages of frozen. A man and his son laze on elbows in the sand while seagulls enclose them in a little intimate ring. Sheep comfortably graze on The Mount, overlooking cranes building highrises, cruiseships, and cafes. There really is never a lack of things to be amazed or amused by.
Communication—conversations with my mama, plans for my parents’ trip to New Zealand, catch-up with a friend, emails to bridge 10,000 miles. I’m willing to travel and live far away, but only knowing that technology can make it seem less so.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play-
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song-
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long!
Irish Blessing
bimpy_ak