Doug, "Numinous" is right on. I've spent much of my life in a kayak, seeking a simple, non-intellectual, tactile experience with the "non-man-made" environment. Perhaps I was seeking the comfort of re-immersion in my mother's (Earth's) womb, because I found comfort in the lakes, rivers, and woods when "life" was scraping rock bottom. Mostly, my attitude has been one of acquiescence. That's why I never embraced "conquest" aspects of "the sport" such as whitewater. Ironically, it's why, after all these years, I'm not the strong, skillful paddler you are. Everyone should and will paddle for her or his own reasons. But your post was a powerful reminder that the kayaker's ultimate quest, no matter how violent or challenging, is to experience the numinous reality of our world and find a perspective on our place in it. Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Nov 12 2000 - 09:09:31 PST
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