Each summer my family takes our annual pilgrimage to Nitinat. Nitinat is one of the only ocean fed lakes in the world. Due to the location of the lake, there is a daily wind that moves in around noon and creates a mecca for kite boarding and wind surfers alike. When not kiting, you can enjoy the amazing old growth forest, shell laden beaches and like minded folk.
The greatest gift I have taken from Nitinat has been the friendships I have created. Although we as a family travel to Nitinat with dear friends in July, we also return solo in August. Several years ago, when we were there in August, I met a soul sister named Jackie. She was also camping with her brood and like me, finds solace on the beaches there on the west coast of Vancouver Island. A windsurfer, a now, kiter, a professional stand up paddle board instructor and an amazing skier, and an all around exceptional human being, Jack has also become one of my dearest friends. Although our visits are infrequent durning the year, our phone calls are regular and our conversations always nourishing.
This year, Jack and I managed to meet at Nitinat in July. Our children reunited as though no time had past and our husbands enjoyed kiting together, while we shared our heart to hearts atop of of our stand up paddle boards at 6am each morning that the wind would allow us to. This year the gift of Nitinat, above and beyond the precious moments with Jackie, was the amazing friend she introduced me to. Sharon was this year's favourite new find. Sharon is a MRI tech from the island who has the most beautiful spirit. Her presence is great and her tone and intonation is absolutely calming which is why I am so positive that she is excellent in her career.
On our morning paddles the three of us would venture out onto the lake on our boards. We would paddle slowly, as if to be in a meditation in motion. As we paddled, not one of us could resist commenting on the natural beauty that surrounded us. When we spoke it was meaningful, not wasting our breath on anything that wasn't going to deepen the true nature of our present action. We shared the deeper thoughts, the truer stories of our life's journeys and we connected on a level that was as natural and authentic as the scenery around us.
Life's gifts come to us when we least expect them. Anytime I connect with another spirit on a deeper level, I feel that my life has meaning and that I am living my best life. Anytime I am able to instantly open my inner vault to someone who should be considered a stranger, it is a sign that I am among the people that are meant to be in my life.
I was recently told by my friend Chruss, that I am considered a 'connector'. When I inquired what he meant by that, he explained that I am someone who is relatable, that keeps a bounty of friends and keeps an extensive list of closer friends. I have to admit that although I have my very small group of 'besties', I do nurture quite a few friendships. I feel that I have enough love to go around and I feel that each different friendship that I nurture, nurtures a different part of my spirit. This list of friends gets tightened and expanded each year as I tighten and expand my own personal growth. My nearest, dearest and oldest friends know this of me and know that they have pole position in my heart as they know me better than anyone.
I wanted to acknowledge Jackie and Sharon because they are two people who selflessly nurtured me and allowed me to take a week of majestic paddles and transformed them into sacred moments for me. They were only ever loving, positive, supportive and inclusive. By nature they were fellow paddlers, by spirit they were weaving their way into my heart.
My wish for you is to open yourself into recognizing and acknowledging the Jackie and Sharons in your life, in your day and in your heart. When someone touches your spirit and creates a sacred moment for you, you should gift them with the knowledge. Life is too short not to say thank you when someone lifts your light.
light & love,
t.
The greatest gift I have taken from Nitinat has been the friendships I have created. Although we as a family travel to Nitinat with dear friends in July, we also return solo in August. Several years ago, when we were there in August, I met a soul sister named Jackie. She was also camping with her brood and like me, finds solace on the beaches there on the west coast of Vancouver Island. A windsurfer, a now, kiter, a professional stand up paddle board instructor and an amazing skier, and an all around exceptional human being, Jack has also become one of my dearest friends. Although our visits are infrequent durning the year, our phone calls are regular and our conversations always nourishing.
This year, Jack and I managed to meet at Nitinat in July. Our children reunited as though no time had past and our husbands enjoyed kiting together, while we shared our heart to hearts atop of of our stand up paddle boards at 6am each morning that the wind would allow us to. This year the gift of Nitinat, above and beyond the precious moments with Jackie, was the amazing friend she introduced me to. Sharon was this year's favourite new find. Sharon is a MRI tech from the island who has the most beautiful spirit. Her presence is great and her tone and intonation is absolutely calming which is why I am so positive that she is excellent in her career.
On our morning paddles the three of us would venture out onto the lake on our boards. We would paddle slowly, as if to be in a meditation in motion. As we paddled, not one of us could resist commenting on the natural beauty that surrounded us. When we spoke it was meaningful, not wasting our breath on anything that wasn't going to deepen the true nature of our present action. We shared the deeper thoughts, the truer stories of our life's journeys and we connected on a level that was as natural and authentic as the scenery around us.
Life's gifts come to us when we least expect them. Anytime I connect with another spirit on a deeper level, I feel that my life has meaning and that I am living my best life. Anytime I am able to instantly open my inner vault to someone who should be considered a stranger, it is a sign that I am among the people that are meant to be in my life.
I was recently told by my friend Chruss, that I am considered a 'connector'. When I inquired what he meant by that, he explained that I am someone who is relatable, that keeps a bounty of friends and keeps an extensive list of closer friends. I have to admit that although I have my very small group of 'besties', I do nurture quite a few friendships. I feel that I have enough love to go around and I feel that each different friendship that I nurture, nurtures a different part of my spirit. This list of friends gets tightened and expanded each year as I tighten and expand my own personal growth. My nearest, dearest and oldest friends know this of me and know that they have pole position in my heart as they know me better than anyone.
I wanted to acknowledge Jackie and Sharon because they are two people who selflessly nurtured me and allowed me to take a week of majestic paddles and transformed them into sacred moments for me. They were only ever loving, positive, supportive and inclusive. By nature they were fellow paddlers, by spirit they were weaving their way into my heart.
My wish for you is to open yourself into recognizing and acknowledging the Jackie and Sharons in your life, in your day and in your heart. When someone touches your spirit and creates a sacred moment for you, you should gift them with the knowledge. Life is too short not to say thank you when someone lifts your light.
light & love,
t.
