I came across this photo of mine today, and it reminds me of how interconnected things can be. Sometimes we make choices and we think they are just our choices, that they have no bearing on anyone else, but that's an illusion - it doesn't take into account the unseen impact of our choices on others. What would you do differently today if you knew that someone else would be deeply impacted by your choices?
Trees Heal
Hiked a true westcoast forest today - in Lynn Canyon on the North Shore of Vancouver. Glorious tall trees, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, moss everywhere, and miles of shady trails. The air, oh the air – crisp and full of pine. I need to learn to breathe more fully and deeply, even when I'm not in a fragrant forest!
Gulf Islands
Early September is the best time to visit the islands around Vancouver, when sunshine drenches the skies and water in brilliant blue. I have stared at Bowen Island on the horizon for many years, but have never taken the 15-minute ferry ride to actually visit the place. It's a great feeling to take action on something, instead of just thinking about it, or putting it on a list. We didn't have an agenda once we got there, so we were free to walk, drive, sit, meander and explore. Imagine the freedom and surprising outcomes that might come from approaching a project that way. Sometimes we can get so detailed in pursuit of specific goals, so attached to an agenda or task lists, that we miss out on ideas and directions that might just flow, organically, if we were free to receive them.
I took this shot just as our ferry was pulling away from the island, on our way home to North Vancouver.
Pacific National Exhibition
The PNE is an annual summer festival in Vancouver, similar to a county fair, complete with pig races and log rolling. I don't often come up here this time of year, so it was a nostalgic treat to walk the grounds, hear some music and get up close with some cows, roosters, sheep, rabbits, ducklings, and this one very hilarious llama.
Under Pressure
Even in the rain, Vancouver is stunning. The downtown skyline is always changing, but I caught a moment when the storm clouds hovered above the city, just clearing the skyscrapers. It was getting dark, so the photo is a bit grainy, but I like the texture. Sometimes when I'm under pressure, with looming deadlines, it feels like I'm riding in that clear space between the earth and storm. Luckily, storms pass.
Recharging
This has been an intense year so far. I'm taking some downtime with family and friends here at the end of summer. Vancouver is a great getaway place with natural beauty in all directions. Lighthouse Park is in West Vancouver, in an old redwood forest. It is a steep trail, but worth the hike for the ocean view at the bottom. It reminded me of the payoff that can come from a steady pace on a project, especially if you can power through the difficult parts.
I took this photo just as a tugboat was passing. (And yes, I did a little photo editing with Snapseed on my iPhone, but honestly, not very much!)