Digging Deeper: Wisdom
As I started to think of wisdom, the first image that floated to mind was one of our paddling coach, Uncle Clem. Sometimes when we gather around the canoe on the shore, we pepper him with questions: how do we hold our paddle? How do we catch waves? What helps us adapt to changing conditions? How do we go faster? On and on. We have many questions and we want the answers soonish.
But Uncle Clem, a Hawaiian man who has spent 30 years of his life paddling, is a man of few words. Seldom does he offer us anything concrete or elaborate. More often than not, he points out to the ocean and says, “She’s our teacher.” In other words, nature is our teacher, an extension of ourselves, a wise, trusted partner in our seeking. Iʻm so grateful to live in a place where the culture celebrates and reinforces the wisdom of nature.
In addition to Ryan’s offering of quietly noticing the breath, I want to suggest that we can take our practice outside. Being away from the man-made world, emotionally and physically, can give us the space to receive the wisdom in ourselves, our ancestors, and the natural world. As I write this, I am reminded that I really need more time outside—to be and to receive. Isn’t it funny how we can have so many questions, yet create so little space to hear the answers?
Slowing down to listen,
Lisa
Listen:
Meditate:
Read:
