OMG … I was hit by a giant wave that could flip my boat. I was both exhilarated and filled with sublime grace at the same time. I had the privilege of experiencing these incredible feelings recently on a 17-day dory boat trip down the Grand Canyon.
The beauty of living inside this cathedral of ancient rock was breathtaking. Being deep inside one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, sleeping under the stars with no cell phone, calendar, or watch, floating in majestic quiet, and running the biggest rapids in North America all opened my mind and heart to receiving the grace of complete acceptance.
Having a giant wave crash right over me could have been scary. Yet, accepting it fully, just as it was, was also an experience of awakening for me. In one of those moments, in the depths of the Grand Canyon, I realized this is true for almost everything. Life can be such a tumbler, yet it is also a perfect teacher.
Through the process of riding the river, through all the waves and twists and ups and downs, I found complete trust – in life and in myself. I knew that even if the worst happened, ultimately I would find a way to grow through it. Accepting what life is — just as it is, and just as it is not — gives me peace inside. This is the sublime grace of acceptance. It is the heart of resilience.
This morning I woke up feeling sad. No doubt, it’s post-adventure doldrums. I felt the loss of missing the grace of that incredible canyon and the close friends I had traveled with. Accepting my sadness — just as it is — gives me solace. I’m okay, life is okay. My emotions teach me about myself, so they are perfect just as they are.
“Grief is the highest form of praise.”
― Martin Prechtel, The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise
Leaning into the big adventure called life, like I leaned into my Grand Canyon adventure, involves invoking the Resilient Mindset of Courage. We use Courage to open our hearts and align with our values. For me, learning and growing are some of my highest values. Recognizing that life has always given that to me, and will continue to do so, allows me to accept it without blame or judgment, and with no attachment to what life “should” be. In this state of being, I am left with divine grace.
With Resilience,
Chuck and the Dovetail Learning team