(image via Mel Brooks)
Gooood Morning SuperForest!
I’m on my way to a friend’s memorial service today. My friend Andy Irons died far too young, and today we remember him.
Andy and I were born the same year, and grew up together here on Kauai. Having someone my own age die suddenly and unexpectedly has brought up many thoughts about my own life and mortality, and I wanted to share a little visual that I play with when I’m thinking about the finite time I will enjoy here on Earth.
Picture yourself holding two suitcases. One is marked “Fear” and the other “Control.” Picture these two suitcases as being very heavy and awkward, and you are carrying them. It is a hot day, and you are sweating.
Picture yourself slowly carrying these two cumbersome loads down a dusty street. Slowly. Really imagine the burden of it all. Dogs are barking at you. The cobblestones are loose. Flies are buzzing in your ears.
Now, stop. Set both cases down.
How does that feel?
Lighter? Free-er?
Without these two heavy loads, how would it feel to jump? How would it feel to dance a bit? Perhaps you’d like to sing as you try dancing?
Andy was a surfer, and will always be remembered as a surfer. To me, that means that every time he paddled out, he left behind him on the beach the two suitcases. He still had fear, and a desire to control, but fear and control do not go well with surfing. You cannot control the ocean. It will do unexpected things. It will spank you. You can control your response to its power. He left these two ideas on the beach and simply went surfing.
What would your day be like today if you set down Fear and Control, and went out there and lived as free as you were able? What would your day be like? Who would see you dancing about so freely and be inspired? How many people could you also inspire to give up fear and control?
It is hard for us Americans. We are taught from a very early age to embrace fear and control. We become addicted to it. Give it up, SuperForesters. If not forever then just for today.
Today, live your life without being afraid or trying to be in control, and please share your experiences in the comments.
Here’s to Andy, who was a surfer, husband, father, brother, son, and friend.
Much love and aloha,
-Jackson
(image via flickr user bogi bell)
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