Re: [Paddlewise] A Southern California Tragedy

From: mike becwar <mbecwar_at_houston.rr.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:24:50 -0500
>> Nick Schade wrote:
>>> I had a discussion once with a friend of mine who is known to take  some 
>>> risks on the water. I asked him if it would be OK if he died  while 
>>> kayaking. He said, "No, I would feel horribly let down. I  would feel 
>>> that the place I love has turned against me."
>>> So, how would you feel?
>>
>> I believe that if you believe the sea loves you, you are on track  for a 
>> major attitude re-adjustment.
>
> Note that he said he loves the sea, he isn't under any illusion that  the 
> feeling is mutual.

I suspect that in spite of the fear of the end, as it were, and some anger, 
I might feel shame.  For allowing myself to be snuck up on and run over by 
that unbelievably giant hurtling bus that I see in the sea, along with the 
beauty.  Because I am firmly committed to keeping and eye on that bus, and 
not getting in front of it.  And possibly for putting loved ones in the 
position to reconcile inside themselves some kind of acceptance for what 
happened.  Everyone passes, but I think it comes down to the ones who will 
mourn your passing - if they understand and approve of a risk that you 
choose, then maybe going out that way could be easier to accept than some 
others.

Now, if nobody is going to mourn your passing, then the door's wide open, so 
to speak, to dance with the bus as you see fit. 
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Received on Fri Mar 16 2007 - 10:54:30 PDT

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