Spontaneity – A Freeing Action
The other day I received a call from a friend asking if I wanted to go to the desert to photograph the meteor showers. I would have less than one hour to prepare and get to the meet-up location if I chose to participate in this last-minute field trip, and we would be up most of the night to maximize the time spent there before having to turn around and drive home. The decision had to be made with little time to think about it. I had only time enough to call my husband and see if he had any reservations about me going. He simply replied, “Joshua Tree . . . at night for the meteor showers? You’d be crazy not to go.” That was all the support and push I needed to grab my photography gear and fly out the door.
There were three of us who made the rushed decision to venture out on a three-hour road trip in hopes of finding our chosen location before sunset. How often have I turned down opportunities in the past just because there wasn’t enough time to properly prepare? None that I can remember! I feel that my ability to see value in experience above most confines has given me a more spontaneous and carefree life, one with more adventure than I would have had otherwise.
What may seem like spontaneity to some would appear as reckless abandonment to others. Thank goodness I am surrounded by many people who fear less and encourage more than most. I have a spouse who can be seen nightly attempting to learn how to ride a unicycle. He chooses to practice at night after all the neighborhood children have been called inside so he won’t run over anybody. His technique is rather unique. In one hand he uses a tall walking stick made from a tree branch to stabilize his motion as he attempts each shaky and uncontrolled pedal stroke. At first it was a little painful to watch as he took his tumbles, yet undaunted he would always get back up and carry on. He has been working at this process every night for about a week. Each time he gains a little more skill and can now travel the entire length of the street without tapping down his stick and relying on it very often. It is amazing how much effort is needed to train one’s mind to find the balance (the sweet spot) and continue to correct back to it to stay upright and, in this case, on one wheel. The walking stick is there for support and once the skills have been mastered will no longer be needed until the next adventure is conceived.
Many things we may consider in life are stopped by our inability to shift our mindset and lean forward, spontaneously stepping into the challenge. Sometimes we may just need a walking stick to give us the support and courage to climb aboard. I see the aid given by this strong yet crooked branch similar the support I gain from others when they encourage me to “Go for it!” There are many who through fear of the “What Ifs?” may try to stop you or knock down the support you receive while attempting a new adventure. Recognize if they are a help or a hindrance and make your own choice to do what you feel is best. If you do not have encouragement from others to try something new or something that you have desired to do for a while, then find someone who will uplift you in that journey. They may need to tend to your wounds when you fall, but choose someone who will also lift you up and motivate you to brush yourself off, get back on and find the sweet balance you can eventually have as you move forward, catching your dreams along the way.
With time and practice you too may find a carefree and adventurous life that can be grasped by being spontaneous and learning to lean into the next adventure. It really does add exhilaration to the day, and with practice you will discover those dreams are no longer wishes unfulfilled as you reach for the stars.
In Other’s Words:
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight…
Follow your dreams!”
~Unknown~