A religious experience

 

The other day I decided to take my SK to my new sailing spot on the Emerald Necklace muddy river here in Boston. I got there shortly before 8:00 in the morning because the forecast said pounding heat later in the day, but a cool breeze in the morning. I decided to bring my folding chair and sit comfortably while guiding my SK (Stuart Knockabout model sailboat) through the mirror smooth water, under some shade trees, using my radio for rudder and sail control, like always. There were lots of different birds up and about doing their morning thing in the trees, large fish jumping near the banks, and even a turtle peeked its head about a half inch above the surface to see what was going on. Meanwhile, as still as a statue, on the other side of the river, a heron stalked its prey. Drinking in all this nature was great nourishment to my soul.

I think my SK liked my new sailing spot too. She glided fast in a surprisingly steady wind. She did her gorgeous dance on the water. I took some of my best sailing videos of her yet that morning. Meanwhile as I usually do when I sail my models, I thought of how being present in that moment, of sailing my SK, was so important to me. I was as amazed as I have ever been, watching my boat and its reflection in the waves as it zoomed past. It was as if this was the first time I had ever sailed, despite having done so before, for so many years,  so many other times. You might call it a religious experience because it reminded me to be grateful for something that gets me out of bed in the morning. I’m very lucky.