I (Almost) Missed the Boat
You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.
– Rabindranath Tagore
If you read my recent blog post on kedging, I have a bit of advice to throw out (along with that kedge).
Here’s the advice: kedge responsibly.
My new and most excellent chiropractor/kinesiologist, Jeff, is taking my health to heart (every pun intended) – my whole health. Due to a minor blood pressure issue requiring some temporary conventional meds from a cardiologist, I sought alternative whole body health advice. Jeff was recommended to me by a trusted (and very healthy) friend.
Whole body health. What a concept. And Jeff is doing my body good.
He is thrilled that I’m a power walker (my exercise drug of choice), but quickly picked up on my type A personality. As I improve under his care, he’s asked me not to get into that “cocky zone” (a technical term) of over-exerting myself.
If you’ve been under the weather (which is a strange expression in and of itself) or have a health issue (like moi), don’t go throwing that kedge out ahead of you as if you’d just won a body building contest.
So Jeff’s guideline for me: walk until I’m exhilarated, not exhausted.
And he’s right. I want to work with my body, not do it in by thinking I can force wellness. Really, would I do that? Me?
Seems the same is true in all other aspects of my life. I can try to force this business of living or I can get into a healthy rhythm. In order to “re-story” my life, as a daily practice I can throw my kedge out ahead of me little by little. I can move my life forward slowly and gain strength. That way, I don’t get swept away by everyday currents – email, social media, writing, editing, finances, deadlines, commitments, family, kitty litter – you get the picture.
Life is one boat trip I don’t want to miss.
So how’s that kedging coming?
The kedging goes slowly–but I guess that’s the nature of the beast. It’s a great image–thanks for shoving it into my already overcrowded brain….
Interesting term, kedging. I grew up around sail boats, growing up on an island, but had never heard that term. I like it. I knew that whalers and fishing schooners were very creative in getting their sterns moving — nothing good happens when becalmed or adrift.
Dear Amazing, WonderWoman, Jeanne,
I LOVED your kedging story. I am not a Type A by any stretch of the imagination, and I can easily judge myself that I should be. Therefore, your lovely, honest and vulnerable post gave me permission to Not Judge myself about that and appreciate moving at the rhythm that is right for me.
Have a wonderful weekend and a big hug from one of your balcony girls!
Jeanne;
It’s always a treat to learn a new word to add to my vocabulary; I don’t think I would have ever come across “kedge” on my own… and I loved your story that used it so clearly.
Thanks.
Susan Bradshaw