The lake where my brother docks his boat is a more laid back lake, with nothing stronger than a 10 horsepower motor allowed. There are no jet skis or wave runners, or speed boats zipping along creating large waves behind them. At a few places along the shore there are buoy's floating that request drivers idle their boats, so as not to create a lot of wake in the area, usually where there are designated swimming areas or private boat clubs. Idling a boat means cutting off most of the power to the engine and just easily, almost floating along slowly. During this time it was nice to be able to sit out on the bow of the boat without worrying about water splashing up over you or just study the shoreline more closely, which in this case was dotted with other people simply enjoying the beautiful day.
There really should be more signs in life encouraging us to idle for a while. To just slow down and take in the scenes that we often so hurriedly rush past. The lyrics from one of my favorite Alabama songs say:
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh, I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But, I'm in a hurry and don't know why.
Oh, I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But, I'm in a hurry and don't know why.
I challenge you all to idle your engines a bit over the next few weeks and months. Slow down. See the wildflowers along the road on your commute home. Smile at the person in your subway car instead of quickly looking away. Stop and pet a passing dog on your evening stroll. Enjoy the color of the sky as twilight gives way to night. Don't just look, actually see what you're missing. Feel the wind blow through your hair. Most importantly, simply take a few deep breaths and just be.
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21 comments:
Awesome post!!! Beautifully written and completely true.
Beautiful picture - I think it depicts the title of the post :) I'm glad you were able to enjoy yourself without worrying/stressing over things.
(Now I can't wait to go on my mini-vacation...)
I love this idea...and now I want a boat. You are the Zen master of peaceful, inspiring posts.
Seriously, could Sandy be any cuter?!?
Gosh we used to rent pontoon boats in northern wisconsin when I was a kid. I drove it (badly) all the time. I need to come visit and be all zen with you.
I would LOVE to idle my engine like that. I'll give it a try ;-)
Unplugging in style. Way to go!
when i was younger i used to make fun of the pontoon boats, they were for old people. now...they look great either i am old or have just matured past the speeding crazy power boats!! and sandy looks so happy!
I always try to idle during the time of year, but there's just too much going on.
I'm pretty sure if I took Jack on a boat with me he'd be so angry with me. He's not a big fan of water =(
Really wonderful post.
Glad you enjoyed some time just relaxing and enjoying the scenery, life and family. It's so important to do just that!
Just promise you won't idle so much that we won't get to meet some day!? =)
I find I am always waiting, waiting, waiting for the next vacation, weekend, party, whatever---I am going to take your advice and just enjoy!!! Enjoy the laziness of just being today!!! Thanks!!!
Just reading this post and looking at your pics was relaxing for me. We all need to learn to take time to enjoy the small things that make up everyday life. Thanks for reminding us.
PS~ I think you gave me an excellent book swap partner. I'm enjoying her blog already! So, thank you!!
This pic jsut reminded me that when I get a family dog...I want a golden retreiver :)
what a tranquil post.
i will definitely work on
idling myself.
i really needed a reminder to do.
xoxox
oh gosh, you're making me miss being home even more now! we used to have a pontoon boat that we could lay around on and just idle around the lake every summer day. listening to the water splish up on the sides of the boat and along the shore is so relaxing. this was a beautiful post, but now i know i need to move somewhere with a lake and a dock.
unfortunately when i try to let my mind idle, it ends up going in a zillion different directions.
which is why i suck at yoga but i keep trying!
There's just something about the water that is so calming and provides perspective at the same time.
That sounds so serene. My grandparents use to have a pontoon boat, and I liked going out on it early in the morning when the water was still calm and we were the only ones on the lake...wonderful.
lovely post. just the thought of idling on a lake relaxed me! but it is so true, we "rush and rush until life's no fun." (I love that song, too!) I really do want to "stop and smell the roses" more. and hopefully get out on a boat sometime soon :)
I used those lyrics in a post once about how I'm always in a hurry and I have trouble just slowing down. Usually when I do idle, it's a moment that takes me by surprise, but if feels very nice.
ohhhh your dog is BEAUTIFUL!
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