Why Is It?

As I was walking up the street today, heading towards East Sound, picking blackberries and relishing last nights glorious sunset, I began to ask the question.  Why is it that a guy, travelling solo in an orange kayak via human power, becomes such an approachable person.  Why do complete strangers, people that come from completely different walks of life, open their hearts; kitchens; homes; for this complete stranger.  What is it about the wandering soul that so attracts others? 

Is it the adventure itself? The beautifully beat up orange Yak? What about the lime green pool noodles strung to the back? The vagabond tent poles that would not fit? The shaven head and the stylish beard?  Gotta be the cool blue shades, ehh? Or how about the Elon hat?  I mean really, it has to be these THINGS doesn't it? The cool carbon fibre paddle in hand or the long skinny stick attached to the back?  What the heck is that thing they would ask?  Gotta be one of these THINGS, doesn't it?  After all, isn't it always about THINGS?

Or, maybe it is just simply the smile from a weary paddler, completely open to all that would come his way?  Could it be that we allow ourselves to let down our guard when out in the wild.  We suddenly become more friendly, less suspicious, more apt to follow our truer self.  We become compassionate to a higher degree, don't we.  Why is it that it takes being out in the wild, on the water, at a campsite, or on a boat for us to feel and react this way to others.  Why don't we share this same feeling in the city as we pass the person on the street, you know the one, that person trying to smile at you or say hello, but all you do is walk quicker, passing them by with the simplest of recognition.

Or, what about those that are so less fortunate than each of us.  The ones we see day in and day out that are in need.  Some are just in need of a smile or a hello; others need more, but all are in need.  Why don't we feel the same level of compassion for those souls as we do for that solitary traveler?  What is it about that person that breaks down the barriers to our inner selves.  How can we meet someone one day and call them friend the next, and yet struggle so mightily to befriend our neighbors?  More importantly why isn't this the norm?

What would the world be like if we all stopped worrying about 'Making a Living' and instead began 'Making a Life'.  What if we all put being compassionate to ALL people ahead of our own needs, wants and desires.  I have been so amazed that every person I have met has done this for me.  I don't mean most or close to all, I mean every single person I met (there was one guy that I had to work on, but he eventually came around). What if we all found a way to spread this sense of openenss and compassion to all that we meet, no matter the location or circumstance?

A simple guy in a simple kayak simply paddling his way through life.  Why is it?  How can we change it?  What is it that makes this work?

The Journey Continues.....

Peace & Love,

G-