At the junction of imagination and execution is doubt. Between the nexus, the most basic concept on the drawing board for serious consideration and its actual launch, are the myriad details that comprise the legitimacy of the plan. Can we do this? What obstacles are in the way? What is the price in man-hours, logistics, gear. And of course ensure the clear and precise meaning of the primary directive: Why are we doing this? It all starts - and the degree of ending success will always finish with - did we do what we set out to do? Did we accomplish the primary objective? Did we, pick as many as apply, get there, enjoy the ride, learn something new, win, add to our cache or experience, grow, challenge stereotypes, visit new places, meet new people, better the ball, help someone, fix something, explore, share some love, create higher frequencies, re-set the barometer of our lives, step away from our comfort zones, move our bodies, clean our pipes or ask our spirit for insight and inspiration?
Should you be lucky enough, brave enough, motivated enough to choose any three from the menu above, congratulations, you are on to it. It, being life, its meaning and magical opportunities to go, see and do. It you don't speak the language, just point to it.
With this menu firmly in hand we select our adventurous spiritual meal. One may select one’s favorite, the bacon and eggs of comfort and convenience, or one can consider the risk of change, try the tofu scramble and place a blue-plate full of trust in the cooks ability to improvise. Playing it, ordering the safe, always the same, the quarter pounder with cheese 9-5 rut, or, go to a new spot, ask about the special, look around, smell the spices and try something exotic.
Or make it yourself. Grow it, feed it, keep it free from weeds and hungry deer, water it, prune it, thin the buds, harvest, clean, prep, sous, and cook. Place it on your finest china (or a paper plate) along with a complimentary side, carry the dish outside to the homemade table on the sagging deck overlooking the sparking water and give grace. Thank the appropriate parties involved with your freedoms. Share the bounty and celebrate the union. Taste.
Details make it happen. Sure, there is nothing like a pleasant surprise, yet one’s attitude when the surprises are nowhere near pleasant is equally important (see flat tire, spun bearing or theft) but they each share one commonality, that of risk. You have to take the chance that things will not be perfect and have the faith that whatever monkey wrench gets tossed your way is just another detail we must face with objective reality. Fix the tire, hire a mechanic, call the cops or walk away. Do what must be done, stay true to the mission.
Using the food metaphor to challenge our sense of adventure is easy. Committing to the myriad details up front to put yourself in as good a position of success as possible is smart. It is why we practice, train and prepare. It is why we create lists. Things to pack, tools to clean, have spare parts, batteries, soap, maps.
We depart for the Epic Ride, 825 miles from Seattle to San Francisco on Saturday. I spent all day yesterday in preparation. In preparation for the unknown. I can be ready for whatever pops up to test my acumen and attitude, or not. If I flat, fix it. If I fall, get up. If I get lost, find a way out. If it rains, so what? If road construction, forest fires or inattentive drives force detours, delays or damage, deal with it compassionately. This is a friendly universe.
Stay true to the objective. Enjoy every sandwich and see every sunset. Adventure means risk. Re-examine your life. Live large. Experience. Do the do-si-do-Go-see-do.
Take care of the details up front. Be ready.
And try the pecan waffles.
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