The Tyrolean Alp surrounding a restaurant at a secluded mountain pass on a path to a remote Austrian village. Arriving – a sigh upon reaching a distant location and fading into obscurity. Until a James Bond moment and a subtle murmur in English with a strong German accent, “But Mr. Tucci last year was not your first year in Lech though was it? You were here before.” Recognized…
After contemplating the meaning of life and my life over a few Irish Coffees the night before, there was a need for something stronger – a solo hike up a mountain to sort it out. Carrying a metal hiking stick, originally with the intention of having a “weapon” if necessary, only to discover that truly, as in martial arts, the training is not for the purpose of fending off a predator but for self-preservation. More often then not, we are preparing not for the external enemy but for our own self-growth and self-knowledge, the internal conflict that can at times be more vicious.
Preparing for the somewhat challenging hike alone, initially the voices in the head go back and forth, round and round, attempting to solve the problems of the world and my world on a rational level. Next Type A gazes above to see the zenith and pushes to gain ground and heart rate. Starting to think about my life in phases and flashing moments and then I stopped, sat down and in a rare moment wept. I thought about the many challenging times in my life and those people that surrounded me. Next, thoughts about how presently my mind was swarming with debates and manifestos though, in reality, all is truly well. There is no crisis. Health, joy, and abundance abound but the numerous internal debates were not allowing enough room for gratitude and happiness with what is. As I returned to my hike the path got significantly more challenging forcing moment-to-moment focus and presence to take hold.
I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau
Upon my decent, I came upon a trio pausing to allow my careful steps. Stopping a moment for banter about the weather and the trail as I depart a synchronicity, as the woman looking me directly in the eyes and imparts, “Take your time. No rush”.
We had many great out of doors time as a family spending time each day hiking and walking. The purity of a child’s mind unfettered by thoughts and what we are indoctrinated as “reason” is a lesson in itself. Daily the important rituals revolve around mountain flowers, insects, conversions about fairies, and pursuing butterflies. Pursing butterflies that is with the intention of having one land and become compadres. Each day a daily moving meditation practice of learning to be still and patient then one day concentration and determination paid off. Not one new connection but THREE landed and were carried by my daughter. Pure love and faith prevailed.
The weeks we extended and stayed in Lech, Austria and returned after a hiatus to the Dolomites in Italy have been like therapy for us as individuals as well as Rick and I as a couple. The arrangement at our hotel allows for much needed, uninterrupted adult time with complimentary childcare. Moments to relax, laugh, and just talk about nothings and everything in the daylight and setting sun. It did not take therapy but moments of focused attention and intention. Just like starting over and all it took was space, nature, presence, and Irish coffee.
As for Rick’s notoriety as mentioned at the beginning of the blog, the manager of the hotel where we stayed remembered Rick from many,many years ago at a different hotel in town. As it turns out I was not the only one to get reacquainted with him!
Living Wherever We Are 