a path beyond the road

Welcome the first post of my blog!

Part travel blog, part ride report, part journal, part soul journey, I hope to share both the trials and joys of an extended motorcycle adventure as well as insights and revelations that arise from a respite from conventional daily life.   This blog is a way for me to document and share my experiences over the course of the next three months as I take a leave from my work, home and community to... wander and wonder.  

I have been asked by many ‘what’s my plan?’ and there is a strong social compulsion to have one... "travel SE Asia"... "volunteer in Africa"... "hike the Camino"... It is no small feat for me to respond "I don't really have one". Well, I do, but my plan is much less a goal to be crossed off a list than it is an experience of life intended to indelibly shape who I am.  By nature and trade I am a planner, so when ultimately compelled to articulate a plan for this adventure it is simply "to be present".

Yes, that's it.  To be truly and fully IN this present moment.  To let go of stories of the past, schemes of the future, analyzing, defining, figuring things out and drawing conclusions and to welcome in the completeness of this moment.  To embrace adventure one step at a time and allow each new moment to arise organically from the previous.  For adventure to grow as a branches of a tree, each starting as a bud, reaching toward the sun as it fully forms contributing essential nutrients to the whole.

In short, to more consciously and fully live the influences that have been actively shaping and forming my life and way of being.  To let go of the conventional structure of the life I have crafted to allow these powerful influences to seep, flow, wash and even crash over my every day existence. 
 

That’s not to say I’ll be directionless.  Presently my intentions for the first few weeks are to head north (Yukon/Alaska) via east (Wyoming/Montana/Alberta).  For me, true freedom and expression of presence comes in letting go of attachment to things happening any particular way; to hold intentions lightly and let loose the result.  Satisfaction will come in cultivating spaciousness to linger in places and with people; to hear the stories of each and share my in turn.  

...and to explore a path beyond the road.



An invitation to explore powerful influences that continue to shaped my life:
Vipassana Meditation
The Centre for Nonviolent Communication
Eric Bowers - Road to Compassion
Sarah Payton - Empathy Brain
Animas Valley Institute - Soul Craft