Gratitude and control: a hunting lesson.

I'm still not really good at blogging regularly, but the intention is certainly there. Hopefully, I'll get better at it and be able to provide you, my precious reader, with a more regular blog-feed.

Hunting season started a few weeks ago (for bow that is). Due to some book research travel, I was only able to start my season about a week ago. I've been enjoying my time with the elk herds and am pretty happy with the shape I'm in this year. Climbing hills up and down for some 15 to 20 km in a day, and my body is holding up well. I so appreciate spending time in the mountains again. This time of the year is sacred to me. Each time I discover new things about the world and about myself, simply by slowing down and tuning into the rhythm of Mother Earth.

My first lesson this year was the reminder that we are not in control. Something, I've known for a long time as many readers have noticed from my books. However, due to the way our society works, it is so easy to get dragged into the control mode that almost every year I need to be woken up from the illusion of control and accept that we are here for the ride, have a choice to make the most of it and enjoy the journey, but we are most definitely not in control.

It is difficult to make plans, set goals, take action and then ...detach, let go of all expectations and enjoy the adventure. When we succeed in doing just that, the journey is full of discoveries and gifts, not necessarily the ones we had expected or had planned for, but always the ones we truly need.

In hunting it is what I call the difference between 'hunting down' and 'hunting.' The difference between 'taking' or going for a walk and being open to 'receive' with gratitude whatever is presented, whether it is a silent moonrise, an unexpected encounter with a mountain lion, a touch by a soaring falcon's wings, or an offer of life to feed the family.

Letting go of the illusion of control softens the hard lines of plans, allows them to bend and adjust, puts us in a position where we can enjoy the adventure--even if it turns out to be different from the plan--and allows us to seize unexpected opportunities. But most importantly, it frees us from frustration, anger and disappointment and replaces it with the zest of the adventurer in search for new discoveries, cherishing each surprise for the learning opportunity it offers, so we can walk through life with gratitude and respect.