Monday, June 9, 2008

Near catastrophe

I had a nice weekend on the sailboat. My only near catastrophe was falling off the boat. A sailing partner had his hat blow off, and I reached through the railing to grab it. As I did so, the boat took a roll to port, and I went over the side. Luckily, I was able to grab hold of the dinghy as it went past and hoist myself onto it and then pull myself to the boat. It happened so quickly. I think that the HP was looking after me.

What is strange is that I didn't feel any anxiety or panic when I went over. It was as if I knew that all would be okay. There was a calm feeling of just being in the water and watching the sail boat move past. It almost felt fatalistic and resigned. Later, I thought that a bit weird but perhaps the best thing to do in such a situation is to remain calm and do what has to be done.

I'm grateful today that I:
  • Got through another incident in this life with no damage to life and limb
  • Have another day to get things right
  • Am going to open up my home group tonight even if no one shows up
  • Have learned more about what my role is in relation to others in my life
Hope that everyone is having a grateful Monday.

"Few situations - no matter how greatly they appear to demand it - can be bettered by us going berserk."
--Codependent No More

"If a swimmer was crossing a great lake, then suddenly focused too heavily on the distance remaining, he might start to flounder and go under - not because he couldn't swim, but because he became overwhelmed by panic.

Panic, not the task, is the enemy......

We can get back on track by treading water until we regain our composure. Once we feel peaceful, we can begin swimming again, with confidence. Keep the focus simple, on one stroke, one movement at a time. If we can make one movement, we have progressed. If we get tired, we can float -- but only if we are relaxed. Before we know it, we shall reach the shore."

6 comments:

  1. I'll be out of town until the 21st - I think it might be time to join your home group.

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  2. It's funny how water can save you if you let it lead.

    I am glad you are safe.

    The worst is flying off a knee board into an oyster bed! Not a personal experience, thanks to Jesus. I did have a near miss with a boat while jumping waves, on a jet ski, in the Harbor, at 8am on a Sunday no less.

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  3. Glad to hear you are alright. I had some close calls losing my balance on my dad's Columbia when I was a teenager, but never actually fell off.

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  4. Phew! I am so glad you are OK, and that you did it all with your serenity and faith intact.

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  5. Glad you are okay, Syd. What would I do without you?? ;o) ~T~

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  6. you are so cool, i would have panicked. and then the quote "few situations...can be bettered by us going berserk" to reel me back in. how perfectly appropriate. did you get the hat btw?

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