Tree Climbing To The Summit of My Life

At one moment high in the trees while dangling from the strategically placed ropes, I purposely took a deep breath, relaxed my body enough to outstretch my arms and wiggle my legs. It can be done! With intent, I held the focus of my thoughts in the present moment.

At this crowning point in my life, I am learning freedom, facing my fear, putting an end to age restricting thoughts and understanding the ease of a task with companionship.

It’s interesting the people I meet on my midlife adventure that brought me to this high rise adventure at this point in time. I met Jon from Vertical Voyages by a chance meeting while walking down a nature trail, catching a glimpse of him guiding a climber to the top of a tall tree.

I was inspired and afraid at the same time. I was instantly reminded of my beliefs that could hold me back from this tree climbing adventure; my aging, my limited physical ability, and just believing I will freeze at this pinnacle.

The love of trees and my ambition to face my fears drove me to say yes!

The process of suiting up with harnesses, helmets and ropes with fancy knots was intimidating. Jon properly fitting me was a challenge asking, ‘is this comfortable?’ was not in my ‘feeling normal’ vocabulary. Nonetheless, I suit up and showed up with determination.

I faced my fear trusting his directions while I carefully stepped into the leg openings of the harness securing my torso and a chest apparatus, all being joined on a rope dangling from a strong trusted limb.

My head leaned back as far as it could to get a glimpse of my rope hanging from the summit of a distant branch. ‘I can do this’, I reminded myself reluctantly.  

With a few instructions under my belt, learning the ropes, I was pulling myself up with a simple procedure of pushing/pulling my arms and legs accordingly. No turning back now.

Jon encouraged me with his wisdom and comfort to face my fear of heights by focusing on my climbing technique and the present moment. I felt inspired by Jon who is adamantly passionate about climbing in nature and his appreciation for the outdoors.

I was persevering my way slowly in a northerly direction. In this heightened position, I gazed all around me at the surrounding lush trees and its branches and I felt a breeze and heard, “don’t worry, I’ll protect you”.

While swaying securely in my harness I had a choice to experience this moment by gripping with fear or letting go of being in control.

What I’m learning is trusting in the unforeseen.

Fear, if I was acrophobic, could easily show up by the awareness of how high I was, hanging without placing my feet on a tangible place for security. My worry could have easily taken me to a paralyzed feeling wanting to get off this scary carnival ride.

Climbing to my destination, upward closer to the top of the tree, a different perspective came to me about my life. I was secure in my harness, hanging down from strong ropes and at the same time I felt taken care of, protected. All the things I worried about were not going to happen. The questions popped into my mind, ‘Are all of my needs met in my life?’, ‘Do I have all it takes to live a full life?’ Gratefully I answered yes.

I almost made it to the top but didn’t, not because I couldn’t, because I decided not today.

“How are you doing? Ann”, Jon checking on me.

Assuredly responded, “Wonderful”.

“I’m ready to come down”, I confidently said.

“Why?”

Reluctantly, looking within for the truth, I paused and said, “I’m tired….?!”

“Needing some help?”

Pondering to myself, ‘did I ask?’.

Reality check. Was I really tired or experiencing any fear? Not sure but I guess I’m willing to move forward.

Then a strong feeling of determination came over me and I said, “YES!”

Jon then boosted me from my rope on the ground and we pulled my suspended rope together easily moving up a few more feet. Easy with somebody’s help I discovered.

It was the same time that my fellow climber, Tim was descending. He made it easily to the top for his first attempt. We were parallel at the height of our ropes, close enough where we had an insightful conversation.

A peaceful moment between two adventurers forty feet suspended by ropes on a huge white oak tree in a lush forest. Wow. I felt an overwhelming feeling of relaxation with another human being sharing our experience. All of this felt a little silly to me, reminding me of where we were, in a harness, hanging from ropes, very high off the ground. I felt protected and taken care of in an unexpected way.

For a moment in a great height in the trees, I noticed how peaceful it was. I felt the freedom of the branches swaying in the wind and the leaves keeping rhythm of the serenity. It was then I felt the heaviness in my body going away, the worrying, stress and all the tension. In the distance I could see trees mingling together in a sense of lightness that you could hear in a breeze. It reminded me that I could, too, feel the freedom of letting go.

I come to grips with wanting that freedom while in the trees; I loosened my tight grip of my arms stretching them wide open and released the chokehold my legs were in, wiggling them into the emptiness below me.

I felt freedom!

Ascending up each part of the climb and coming to the summit of my life, I arrive at a breathing space where serenity could be found in the present moment, facing any fears, and accepting help along the way.

Descending, I came down with a better sense of serenity, having faced any aging apprehension, learning to live in the present moment.

Grateful to learn another lesson of love from Mother Nature and her trees.

Where Am I Going?

A funny thing happened to me on the way to pick up information How To Use A Compass at a ranger office. 

I got lost!

It gave me an opportunity in my midlife adventure to find some humor.

I allowed myself enough time to find my destination.

Circled a few times in the wrong direction.

Made every stoplight.

I encountered every slow driver barely looking over the steering wheel.

In such a hurry that I turned down a homeless person.

I guess I had good reason to get that information. I felt dazed and confused.

In its own time I've learned.

What I came away with is to slow down and take pleasure in the ride.

It's not the destination but the journey that we should pay attention to.

Even if it takes a few turns to find it.

Lucy and Ethel Take a Spiritual Road Trip

While rolling down the highway, the antics of the popular 1950's television series, I Love Lucy, came to mind.

My friend Melissa (Ethel) and I (Lucy) agreed to cast an exploring eye at the house of my son and his wife of unwanted spirits making their presence known by their shadowy mischievous presence, creaking around making their homestead uncomfortable. With my GPS in hand, we’re ready for a midlife adventure down the highway in an unfamiliar area.

Ethel Mertz, “I’m not gonna do it!”

Lucy Ricardo, “You haven’t even heard my idea!”

Ethel Mertz, “You thought it up. That’s enough for me.”

And the adventure begins!

Lucy shrieks, “Ethel, did we just pass Exit 141? Turn around over there at the roundabout and don’t go over the curb.”

“I’m following these directions from your robotic GPS woman who keeps yelling, “U TURN… U TURN!”, Ethel cries out as they go around in circles.

“Do you think maybe we’re going where we’re not wanted?” Lucy puzzling over their wild ride adventure.

“A fine mess you’ve gotten us into now, Lucy” taking them through an unexpected maze that made them dizzy.

Our turbulent journey’s end came to a screeching halt when we arrive suddenly at a dead end road. Looking at the house and then each other, we cautiously take steps out of the sedan with a watchful eye.

The home appeared to be weathered by time, the landscape unkempt and a lone tree guarding its fenceline. Ethel hugs Lucy’s arm, moving up the sidewalk, closer to the entrance  when she spotted a beautiful green butterfly clinging to the window screen and says, “Lucy, look up there!”

Lucy embraces the fate of the butterfly who is opening its wings, “yes, I think this cute little thing is giving us a message.”

“Oh Lucy, that’s just a coincidence!” Ethel muttered. They were taken aback by this vibrant insect’s appearance in what appeared to be a lifeless homestead.

Lucy responds, “I know there’s nothing to it, but I want to know what it is there’s nothing to.”

“Ugh, I’m not sure why I came, but let’s just go in” surrenders Ethel.

The friends' detective work stopped cold when they bellowed together, “There is no key here!” “Dang it”, we chanted together. Pass key was absent from the designated hiding place.

“Time to go home, Lucy!” Ethel said.

“I have a plan” her friend snapped back.

Ethel grunted, “I’m still recuperating from your last plan. If I had known THIS is what friends were for, I’d have signed up as an enemy.”

Lucy surmised, “I’m not giving up, it’s just a feeling I have. There may be a better way to move those spirits where they need to go!”

“I’m just not feeling anything, but I’m here, so let’s just hear your idea!” Ethel responds. “what are you pulling out of there?”

Lucy reached into her bag pulling out healing crystals and sage explaining, “if we can’t go in then we’re gonna eliminate those unwelcomed spirits from the outside.”

Just then Ethel begged, “What’s the matter?”

“I felt the darkness coming from the door!”

“Oh no, Lucy, you must be wrong!” Ethel bellowed.

“No, I’m not and we have what we need to finished them off.”

As the sage billowed smoke around the area and the crystals laid assuredly in the dirt, the friends ran to their car leaving, accomplishing what they set out to do.

  

My Name Is Herman

Meeting some inspiring people on my mid life adventure…

I saw him from time to time at the neighborhood park we frequent. Herman is a kind gentleman making the world a better place to live.

His green Kawasaki can be seen around the park cleaning up the grounds and doing it with pride.

This park employee could be seen lending a hand with visitors doing it gently and heartfelt.

As I walked past his truck I noticed a weathered, black elongated lunchbox sitting on the front seat among other work items he kept nearby.

                                                                                                      

It was something that I haven’t seen in years! It brought me back to my childhood memories, remembering my dad going to work with this black vintage lunchbox in tow.  

It was before the cool insulated totes and the expensive coffee lattes we required in our daily lives today. A slower life when we took the time to make a bologna sandwich and put our coffee in a thermos. I can still envision my dad putting on his weathered, work bib overalls over his suntan pants, plaid flannel shirt and well-used work boots, getting prepared for a full day’s work. His pockets overflowing with essentials like a flat carpenter’s pencil, a wooden fold up ruler and a white folded handkerchief. A send off farewell after he gave my mom a peck on the cheek. An early morning memory that I cherish. Monday through Friday, never taking a sick day, he climbed into his jalopy station wagon filled with tools and lumber and headed out for a honest day’s work.

Striking up a conversation with Herman was easy. He reminded me of a slower lifestyle, taking the time to have a heart-to-heart exchange with others about their day. 

Herman was happy to talk about his ‘walking foundation’, which he called his lunch box. Inside was an enclosed wipe his wife wanted him to use to clean his glasses instead of using water to wash his spectacles. He showed me the handwritten notes he saved from grateful visitors. Some food in a can and crackers to snack on. Any little trinkets of toys he found, he was happy to give them away to children he would meet. A little blue bag had dog treats inside if there was a need.

It reminded me of when life was simpler, feeling the worries of my day melting, my body relaxing, just because I took the time to meet a man with a heartfelt passion to enjoy his life to the fullest. 

Pray Love and Let Go...

Life has a way of slowing me down so I could take the time and opportunity to look at how I handle my life experiences. Lately my close friends and members of my family are going through some trying times.

It is heartbreaking to witness people that I love going through difficult challenges. What I’m learning in my mid life adventure, is what my part is and what I do with it, that’s what really counts.

A reality check. Is it happening to me? No. Physically? No. I feel sad for them. Is it affecting me? Yes.

My goal is to handle it with compassion and love but I know from my past experiences, I can relish my sufferings so much that it could balloon to enormous proportions; re-living and telling the story, out loud and in my head. It was difficult to wean away from martyrdom until I discovered the joys and serenity when I let go of what I didn’t have control over and my life becomes more manageable when I did. 

I am learning how to live and let live.

There was a time when I didn’t know how to be good to myself.

Very little that happens in my life is worth my worry and feeling-in-control to force a solution, basically just doing it my way. It’s a temporary fix so I won’t have to feel their pain but I am selling myself short and my serenity very cheap.

When the dust settles, I saw how hard I fought to learn this lesson. I was unhappy when I put myself in the middle of the turmoil, thinking how I can fix it. This uncomfortable feeling I didn’t want to feel, the fear of what could happen, and facing my own insecurities of fear, loss and being alone.  

I was brought to a place of joy when I came to a place of acceptance. I feel love in a deeper level, working through any fear and realizing that I can find no serenity until I accept it as being exactly the way it is suppose to at this moment.

What I can do…

Pray, love and let go.

• I can pray for their comfort and guidance.
• I can show my warmth, love and compassion.
• I can let go and give them the dignity to let them figure out the best solution for them. Let go and let God.

A powerful way out of turmoil by creating a place of calmness to gather my thoughts to know the best way to handle anything that life brings my way.

Help Is On The Way... Or Is It? A Turtle Story

It happened one early Sunday morning on my midlife adventure when my coffee run was met by a turtle crossing a busy boulevard that led me to my destination. I quickly landed my car off to the center lane to rescue this terrestrial reptile from impending doom by the traffic that was about to arrive.

This could be the end of the story but the dejection that soon followed was a surprise to me.

On his way to freedom, I confidently place him on the seat thinking he’d stay nestled in his shell but with breakneck speed, he took off running.

I snapped him up only to be met with him relentlessly trying to bite me as he was relieving himself all over my seat.

My car was gaining speed as I was trying to reason with this turtle and apparently, it wasn’t working because he just didn’t care that I wanted to help him.

We both celebrated when my car rolled up to anywhere green when we mercifully ran out of the idling car, releasing this ungrateful turtle.

As I mulled over what happened, it dawned on me how it may look when we’re not favorably welcoming the help we receive along the way. We can come to the aid of one another and count our blessings that we’re not on this life journey alone.

Morale of the Story: Don’t bite the hand that feeds (rescues) you.

Learning From Teaching: Self-Awareness Appears

The time I spent in Florida with some good friends while teaching a workshop helped me to realize my authentic self on a deeper level on my midlife adventure.

My dear friends Rochelle and Kathy

I have been searching for ways to discover my bona fide self, living in the present moment and finding the magic at this time of my life.

When I believe in my heart when I trust it to be true, I feel strong, alive and content.

When I let go of my attachments and distractions of my ego self and see it for love, I can relax and breathe.

When I write this, saying it out loud validates my inner conviction even if it doesn’t completely resonate right now but rather I trust the process that it will come. This awareness is coming to terms with being ok with who I am rather than getting approval from others for my okness.

This mind shift means coming to an understanding of acceptance of who I am rather than getting approval from other people.

At this time of my life, having lived all my experiences: the lessons I’ve learned, mistakes I’ve made, things I celebrated, it takes less work to live an authentic life because it is a quicker process for me when I come from a place of love.

The time I spent with my friends made me once again aware what true love is. 

And it’s all about love.

Out of the Darkness into the Night: Finding One More Piece to the Puzzle of My Life

Destination ~ Teaching a Indian Head Massage workshop at Beach Ready Spa in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida on my Midlife Adventure.

         My inspiring heartwarming class

   

Just as the sun peeked over the Gulf waters in Santa Rosa Beach, I arrived just after dawn before the humidity set in on a beautiful spring morning.

It was breathtaking listening to the sounds of the waves crashing as it became visible over the long deck before I stepped onto the beach. It created an abundant feeling deep inside my gratitude.

I nodded my head when I passed fellow admirers having a sense of knowing how lucky we are to witness God’s creation.

I have a tendency to walk with my head down, admiring the white sand and secretly hoping to find a treasure from the waters; a shell, a piece of driftwood, some beauty in the sand.

 

As much as I love walking on the Gulf shores, it becomes a challenging workout when I’m walking on the abundant, deep white sand.

Realizing my short walk turned into an adventure, my disorientation unexpectedly checked itself in and I found myself looking for my way home.

My GPS on my phone lost its bearings, as well, instructing me to go around in circles so I found my way onto the nearby highway, a great place to start.

Walking along the highway, I realize the phone wasn’t picking up enough satellite to guide me to my destination. We both were lost.

What were my options? I missed the chance to ask a passing city truck on the beach and a gas station I ignored twice.  Was I humble enough to still think I could go alone and not ask for help? My greatest blessings have come from God. Have I asked Him for even simple help in everyday situations? Lesson learned. Surrender.

Admit I need help will be the first step. I decided I’ll ask the first person that walked past me if I’m on the right course. I was relieved when she assuredly said, “Yes, you’re going in the right direction, it’s just ahead”.

Now that I’m trusting that I’m on the right road, I immediately look down and see this perfectly, blue plastic child’s puzzle piece all alone lying in front of me waiting to be picked up.

Ah, another piece of the puzzle! My intention on My Midlife Adventure was to find the magic in every experience and getting out of my comfort zone.

The road was taking me further when I looked down to see a collection of broken shells in a little patch of grass. I remembered when I was walking on the beach, I didn’t see many shells. This path has been walked on by many people. Did anyone else down this path see this unexpected treasure?

I picked up a few shells to remember this moment in time and soon realize that they don’t belong in the grass and surely not in my suitcase going home. Seeing how this is all playing out nicely for my benefit, I realize that they belonged in their natural habitat, where they started out, in the water on the beach where they were meant to live, where God intended. 

Now I can see how these turn of events was as an opportunity to see a bigger picture.

As I look back when I set out this morning, my intent was to walk the beach. A simple pleasure.

I’ve discovered how walking gives me an opportunity to have conversations with God in nature, just Him and me clearing away all the daily dilemmas in my everyday life.

When I lost my way, things started to turn around when I accepted the fact that I was off track, needing help, then praying for guidance from up above. Surrender.

This resulted in an empowering feeling of deep affection that I was being taken care of from a loving source.

On my life journey, I realize the further away from having God in my life, the more chaotic my life becomes. It’s that simple.

God works through people. Asking for help from others, my life has less confusion and more serenity. Another reminder that I was getting lost, not finding my way in my adventures because controlling the outcome was not the ideal way of living my life with purpose.

Another piece of the puzzle solved.

I now see my enthusiasm is feeling refurbished and how my life is feeling renewed once again. I see how wonderful life can be when you surrender and trust the process.

Tomorrow I will return all the shells that I can gather and bring them to the beach where they belong.

Living with gratitude when I can take a breath and pause, seeing how God and others are working in my life.

It gives me energy to once again feel my purpose and to witness the joy everywhere around me.

My lasting impression was loading my car to leave and looking up to see the enchanting dark blue skies with twinkling stars saying goodbye. Having more awareness of understanding the depths of how brilliant love is when I come into the light. 

Interested in learning more about Indian Head Massage and attending Workshops?

I would love to hear about your midlife adventures. Please contact me at http://www.annkmassagetraining.com/

Plattsburg, Missouri

Trip One 2015 ~ My Midlife Adventure

I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list. ~ Susan Sontag

Destination ~ Spring into Healing Retreat

Their website describes them well, “…offering all the charm and warmth of a true Midwestern small town”. I discovered this city to be a country haven.

Where is Plattsburg, Missouri?

Plattsburg is a city and county seat of Clinton County, Missouri, which is located along the Little Platte River. As of 2010, the city population is 2,319. My road trip took me 4 hours and 263 miles west from my home in Crestwood, Missouri.

Wandering down the rolling hills on the back roads is one of my favorite things to experience as I trek down Route 13, a lone two lane state highway. I found it comforting to stop on the side of the road to hear the cow’s mooing and the distant train whistling in the background. As I slowed down to a stop to take a picture, I was astonished by the cow’s loudly screaming their discontent with me. Were they alerting their owner of a trespasser?

Driving down the highway ignited a hypnotic trance as I roam the back roads, and then quickly noticed a sign I just passed up. As curious as I am, I made a turnaround dash to see what I missed.

Die Brot Pann Bakery on Highway 13 in Richmond, Missouri was a welcoming sight for my sweet tooth. They stock their homemade bakery including bread, cookies and pie in this cute little house alongside a back country road. Their friendly hospitality was enduring. Their chocolate chip cookies were delectable.

Homemade apple pie, seven grain bread, monster and chocolate chip cookies. I ate the scrumptious chocolate cookies and saved the monster cookies for my husband. Surprised myself that I left the pie for later...

Back on the road on my weekend getaway to Plattsburg.

When the road leads you into Plattsburg, it feels like you stepped back in time. I was taken aback by the beautiful houses that nestled in the tree lined streets. It was welcoming!  

I’ve arrived!

Our accommodations for a perfectly restful place for our retreat.

My first welcoming sign of an enlightened stay.

Preparing for my retreat with a journal, a gem and an open heart.

Sarah took good care of us with her delicious vegetarian meals.

A wonderful time by all. Thank you Marilyn.

Clinton County Museum in Plattsburg.                                                                                I was really impressed how this museum gave us a glimpse of yesteryear with such wonderful artifacts and history. 

           

Sharing amazing trails with my dear friend Marilyn

 

 

I met such a nice friend at one of my workshops and she graciously invited me over for a flavorable lunch and a fun visit. Thanks, Phyllis

I left Plattsburg with wonderful memories of an adventure I will never forget and soon will visit again.

My heartfelt gratitude to Marilyn for the heartwarming retreat and for being such a gracious host and dear friend.