Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Pulling together


I've been at a work meeting for the morning. Now it's lunch time so I decided to have some sushi--spider rolls, one of my favorites. I've been in an over-air conditioned building for the morning so it's nice to sit in the heat and humidity for a half-hour.

Later after work I'll be joining the rowing team for a workout. We may have eight rowing tonight. It's a good workout since we row for about an hour. Sometimes we have only four to row. That can be a challenge in a breeze and against the tide on the way out.

Our rowboat is a wooden 34 ft. replica of the pilot gigs that used to carry harbor pilots and crew back and forth to ships. I find the boat with it's long oars to be sturdy and serviceable.

We get photographed by a lot of people. There is something unique about a group of people pulling together in harmony to move without obvious effort to a destination. I like the feeling of belonging to the team.

Rowing is a meditative exercise. The cadence of the oars as they slice through the water is soothing. I sometimes entrance myself by counting my strokes. It's a way to keep the focus on the moment that I'm in.

The analogy of belonging in Al-Anon comes to mind. I'm part of that team that pulls for each other as we move in the direction of recovery. I am filled with gratitude for it.

I'm grateful to be a "part of" in so many ways today.

21 comments:

  1. oh my goodness...I just pictured myself in that boat too...and I can imagine how beautiful, sentimental and peaceful it is...kudos.

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  2. Syd have a wonderful time. I know you will.

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  3. been gone a whole week and wow have i missed a lot, i am glad to read you are doing well, better than me but i know my way back. your family and friends are in my prayers, grief comes in waves and there will be more to come, i am glad they have someone like you in their lives during this time

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  4. Great post, I like your analogy of Al-Anon and a rowing team. We do all pull together towards a destination.

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  5. I would be pretty useless in a rowing team, but I feel very useful in my Al-anon team. I am grateful for that.

    PG

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  6. Rowing: Recovery of mind and body

    Alanon: Recovery of mind and body

    Both are WE programs, ACTION programs, and SPIRITUAL programs...

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  7. Your description of rowing sounds wonderful- almost enough to make me want to sit in a boat and row, row

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  8. An excellent hobby and exercise. I knew you did this, and I think it cool, dude.

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  9. Love the serenity of water, and the team pulling together, well I feel that way with these blogs. Have a wonderful meditative time.

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  10. You don't see too many people on a team like that punching each other in the face. It's an unusual sport.

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  11. I loved the analogy. Sounds like work, but rewarding. Both Rowing and Al Anon. :-)

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  12. I have a friend who rows. She thinks it is great. You make it sound great.

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  13. There is a rowing team from Cornell University that I've seen many times on the canal to Cayuga Lake. They have competitions there. I always wanted to try it. It looks awesome!jeNN

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  14. Rowing is just wonderful! I hope you had a great work-out. Your passion for the water is awesome! For recovery too :)

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  15. rowing to me, personifies 'single-minded purpose'. it's awesome to watch...

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  16. I think that is wonderful, would love to on that team. One of my sisters did this and loved it so much she did it competitively. I am glad I am on your blog team .lol smiles

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  17. There is something beautiful about a cadence in a group setting, something other-worldly and magical, a centering happens and a spirit is carried.

    Thanks for sharing that feeling of peace and serenity today!

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  18. I appreciate the visual of rowing, that cadence you mentioned.

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  19. A good metaphor for 2 great programs...

    Thanx for sharing...

    Blessings and aloha...

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  20. Syd
    Thanks for sharing your serenity. I look forward to your posting on a daily basis.
    Keep coming back....

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  21. I don't have a boat to row, but this reminds me it's time to go an extra mile and stare at the Potomac for a while. I need that. Thank you!

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.