[One of the elders asked, "Where do these white people run to every morning?"
"To their workplaces of course."
"Why do they have to run to something that is not running away from them?
"They do not have time." I had to say the word in French because there is no equivalent in the local language. The conversation came to a halt when the elder had to ask what this "time" was.
Among the Dagara, the absence of "time" generates a mode of life whose focus is on the state of one's spirit. This is not comparable to what the machine-dominated culture is all about. While in America, the newcomer thinks at first that people move hurriedly in order to enjoy the thrill of speed. But a more traditional look at motion, at speed, quickly reveals that speed is not necessarily so much a movement toward something as it is a movement away from something.
The elder who noticed that moderns don't have to run toward something that isn't moving was pointing to the idea that to move is also to keep oneself distracted. The indigenous mind cannot conceive of it otherwise. And so the elder sees those in constant motion (going places, doing things, making noise) as moving away from something that they do not want to look at or moving away from something that others do not want them to look at. When you slow down, you begin to discover that there is a silent awareness of what it is that you do not want to look at.]
-Ritual: Power, Healing, and Community by Malidoma Patice Some
And that knowing, creates a very valuable awareness about what we do want to look at, what we do want to walk, jog or run toward.
A few months ago, Ryan made the decision to stop running for a moment. He had been moving so fast for what seemed like a very long time, his spirit was seeking rest. It certainly wasn't easy to take this time for himself, but rest assured his family was cheering him on, supporting him through the transition. Taking this time has given Ryan a chance to reevaluate what he really wants to be doing, what really feeds his soul, how to best use his passions for the greater good - while even finding time to incorporate much more fun and baseball back into his life.
Ryan loved the new mitt he received for his birthday. It has been amazing to witness him rekindle a relationship with pitching. [He looks great in catching gear too ;-)]
If flying a kite doesn't slow time, I don't know what does. The park behind our place hosted the Annual Ocean Beach Kite Festival for the 2nd year in a row. Each of the kids got the privilege of making a kite, and and performing a nice long test run too. The park filled with music, kites (professional synchronized and amateur), food, animals and lots of smiles. I especially liked the music which themed dreamy love songs.
Ryan snapped up the chance to catch up on some serious cuddling.
The kids had fun capturing a fun moment in time. On our way to his game, Ryan was flexing his giant muscles upon my request. I was thoroughly impressed ;-)
Living one of his greatest passions on Father's Day.
Ryan found himself giving his children a gift on Father's Day, the gift of himself. It has been one of the greatest blessings to witness Ryan rekindle a deeper relationship with each one of his precious children. This is a gift which could never be bought in a store, although I most certainly have witnessed it being unwrapped one hug, smile, wrestle, and gentle gaze at a time.
All this connection seems to have softened the look in his eye...brought a new level of peace to his being.
Merrick has certainly enjoyed the extra time and coaching efforts from his father...well, most of the time...he does have a bit of a stubborn streak just like his dad. ;-) Anyone who knows Ryan at all, knows that he was just relishing in this moment with Merrick.
Aunt Dawnie and Uncle Kenny blessed Ryan and four other special guests of his choice, with tickets to a San Diego Padres game for his birthday. Our seats were amazing, and we had an awesome time together. Ryan and the girls got to the game early to watch batting practice, and thoroughly reveled in the moment. Big huge thanks goes out to AD and UK for this super fun moment in time!
Ryan is not only an amazing dad, but a quite rad uncle too. He had a blast one afternoon playing with Merrick and his super fun niece Eva.
Kierce, one serious pirate and a couple other crazies at the Natural History Museum having an oh so silly moment.
The gang has been know to have plenty of serious moments too! He has got the kids on a diligent workout kick, not without a really incredible incentive. The good news is, I now know they are fully capable of running at least one mile. The PE torch is passed :-)
After taking a hiatus from work, Ryan came to some important conclusions about how he desired to move forward. As Ryan pondered the many different potential routes ahead of him, I observed a quite hefty level of deep inner soul searching occurring. I was more than happy to give him the space to sort things out for himself. At the very least, he knew he was not going to be heading off to a distance workplace to punch a time clock. It was really neat to watch him not only create a plan for working from home, but also get down and dirty to make it happen. He was blessed with a helper, miss Kierce who hung in with him every step of the way as he created an at home office below our place, equipped with speckled floor paint. Is it possible to have too much fun speckling a floor?
...almost done. Someone is happy :-)
Thanks to our good family friend Uncle Dave, Ryan and I were able to carve out some play time together...
...apparently Ryan and Rowan did too. Ryan gave it his all, to get Rowan to pose for a picture on the 4th.
...yet he was happy to show off a relaxed pose himself.
Later that day, my brother Dana and niece Eva joined us for a walk back down to the beach to watch the Ocean Beach Fireworks. It was a fun little journey, and I can see that Ryan has thoroughly been enjoying the ability to stoke the solid relationship he holds dear, with his brother.
These authentic smiles which are pulling from the inside out, just melt my heart! I could just gaze at these lovers all day. I was able to snap a quick pic just before a very special movie in the park began.
The kids were finally introduced to The Karate Kid at one of the famous Movies in the Park, which are hosted all throughout San Diego during the summer months. Merrick has been practicing his Crane kicks with minimal (depending on who you talk to) injury. Ryan and I shared stories about just how many times we watched the film growing up, too many to mention. I was intrigued by just how many solid life lessons are present in the movie...no wonder why I adored it so much as a child.
We have enjoyed lots of beach time over the past several months. It's been especially nice to spend quality time with family. These guys make it look sooooo easy to kick it at the bay.
Ryan adored the opportunity to fuel a bonfire and "time" with his sweet nephew Enzo. Kierce just so happens to be Ryan and Enzo's number one fan, cheering them on!
Mmm...looking back on this moment really lights up this heart of mine. I have thoroughly enjoyed the extra time I have had the privilege to enjoy with Ryan and our entire family together these past few months. I am feeling so grateful for each pause, each snippet of time we "get to" relish in. Quality time is pretty amazing, but nothing can replace true and pure quantity time, especially when we really "arrive" in the present moment.
Loving you all to Pluto and back.
