Wednesday, July 30, 2008
welcomed lessons
It was a beautiful day on the Bruce Peninsula. I had asked the attendant at an art gallery what was so outstanding that we shouldn't miss. Her answer was, the grotto- don't miss it. So, off to the grotto we went the next day.
The first treat was to see a Massassauga Rattlesnake, just off the trail. Live, wild, rattling!
When we arrived at the opening in the cliffs to go down into the grotto, I knew I would not be able to go down there. Too small, too tight, too scary. No, never. We were surrounded by too many people to count, most of them dropping down that hole without a second thought. When they heard my fears expressed, I was told, "It's a piece of cake!" "It's easier and safer than going down the cliff face!" "Easy!"
Yeh, right. I was about to do it when someone said that after the initial drop, it gets tight for a little while. Okay, forget it.
So I tried the cliff face. Forget that too. Back to the hole.
In the end, I did it. And it was a piece of cake. Easy. No sweat. The big take-away for me was the importance of all the camaraderie and support surrounding me by strangers.
I normally don't like going into nature with crowds of strangers. Nature is sacred to me, very personal, intimate.
Previously, I felt invaded by strangers. Not any more. I may still choose to be alone in nature, but I have a healthier attitude about being among others. I grew.
What happened next strengthened that new attitude.
Labels: challenge, fears, growth
