In a Pack
Warm beverage in hand, I stand on the observation deck of the lighthouse overlooking the Knik Arm. It has become a daily ritual for me to roll out of bed, climb the winding steps and watch the sheets of ice flowing against the mountainous backdrop. I know the ridgeline of the Chugach by heart now, lit up purple and pale by the sun rising in fiery orange, pink, and gold. Every so often a lone, long howl from the kennels will echo out into the frozen air. Without fail, the howl is suddenly a chorus as the whole mushing team joins. Their song soars over the vastness of the bay. Each sled dog has a role, but together a seasoned team of 22-24 dogs can travel over 145km in a twenty-four hour period while pulling a mind boggling 1135 kilograms with ease. Without question, a team pulling in unison goes substantially further, a lot longer.
I reflect on how far the pack I have around me has journeyed together substantially further and a lot longer than I ever could on my own. These past few years, I have been blessed to face this marvelous, perilous journey with my pack. The strong, wise warriors who lift through triumph and tragedy. They tell it to me real. We cheer each other on as we move forward in this wonderous expedition called life. Find those people that fill you up. In relationships move forward with purpose and be intentional with who and how to spend the boon of time. We’ve measured our time in snow, lazy afternoons snoozing in the shade of palms, and thrown buckets at giants. We’ve summited mountains real and metaphorical with all the trials, challenges, embarrassment, problem solving, danger, and elation. We’ve walked in awe together in the glory around us with all the surprise, joy, intensity, terror, and growth this world has to offer. All the little moments expanded and limitless.
My pack have taught me much and I feel it would be a great disservice if I did not dispense some of what I have been gifted from them.
Laugh Together.
Encourage each other to continue exploring the massive nature of wild intuition’s appetite for the odd, the strange the unusual and that keen sense of being pulled towards this very way of life. There is so much joy in it! Learn to laugh again, I mean a full belly kind of laugh that makes you cry and nearly wet yourself—whatever that is for you. Can you remember the last time you laughed so hard your sides ached? I bet you weren’t alone.
Learn Together.
Admonish cruelty, dive deep into intentions. Look at your own intentions with a microscope to ascertain their obviousness or their mystery. Be amazed at both! Then discover the courage it takes to hear, to stand strong and to really live a life of integrity and authenticity.
Be Still Together.
Hear that? Listen and move towards the yearning of that adventurous spirit you hold within that beautiful soul. A moment of quiet shared with a friend can reveal so much about our hearts. The embers are there in all of us. Blow on them, nurture them, feed them or the wild winds might just do it for you. A life in motion does not mean doing it fast. Slow it down to really live, especially when you are with those you love.
Howl Together.
Seriously, give it a try. There is nothing more cathartic than a good howl.
Better Together.
Living better is not being the best, nor is it being the best you—there is no measurement for that, not really. All I’ve come to realize is that I am definitely a better me when I’m actively engaged and have time with my pack.
Brave Together.
Facing those giants in life is daunting, but be BRAVE in the face of desolation. We are not born brave, it must be nurtured to grow. Just know that bravery and being scared are partners—anyone else who tells you different is probably lying. So have the courage to step out into the wilderness of the heart. Sometimes all it takes is one step, and sometimes it takes hundreds of thousands. Regardless you are not alone for you are part of the pack, and the pack pulls together.
