Moments

We get so busy in our daily lives that it’s sometimes hard to remember to stop and pay attention to those subtle moments going on simultaneously around us. I was reminded of that a couple weeks ago when I stood on deck of the ferry waiting to depart for Sapelo Island. It was hot even at that early hour and the only way to endure it was to stand absolutely still so you could feel the faint hint of a breeze coming off the water. I contemplated going into the air-conditioned passenger cabin, but in spite of the heat, the sun on my face and that whisper of a breeze just felt too good.

So there I stood, leaning on the rail and inhaling the scent that’s so uniquely “boat.” That oddly pleasing combination of diesel fuel, mildew, old wood, fiberglass, and sea water. Well, I find it oddly pleasing, but I’ve been told that’s a symptom of an incurable sickness that only people who love boats seem to contract.

The tide was fully in and the water was like glass, reflecting sunlight, marsh grass and one wispy little cloud floating by overhead, until a fin broke the surface sending out a ripple. Then a dolphin leaped in a little half-twist, before splashing back below the surface. Its antics seemed like a signal to others and I watched as what appeared to be a large pod frolicked right there in front of me.

I worked on eco-tours for years so this wasn’t exactly a new experience, but I never get tired of watching these amazing mammals as they hunt, feed, mate and play. How lucky to see them so active! How lucky to live here where it’s a frequent occurrence!

But if I’d given in to the heat and gone into the cabin, I’d have missed it. It made me wonder how many things I do miss, each day, in my efforts to avoid discomfort or, even more frequently, because I’m too busy to pay attention. Would it really make a huge difference in what I accomplished each day if I took 10 minutes for myself? Would it put me that far behind to walk down to the dock and cast a line or just dangle my feet in the water for a little while?

Later that same afternoon, in the heat of the day, I sat on the porch with Maurice and his friend Netia, doing absolutely nothing. Except we were doing something – we were making new friends, shooting the breeze, and avoiding heat stroke! But porchsitting in the middle of a weekday just seemed so decadent and I loved every moment of it. And as a bonus, Maurice now knows how to fold towels and sheets, thanks to Netia and I.

What kind of moments have you had lately? If you can’t think of any, it might be time to make some happen. So find a little time to get out there on the water, to explore new places, make new friends, listen to stories, watch dolphins at play, or just have a little fun. Enjoy the moment.

See you out there!

Chief