The video below reminded me of why I am committed to surf gear that is renewable (can be regenerated within a generation), biodegradable (the earth can naturally recycle it and it has a healthy place in the food chain), and non-toxic (the collection and production of the materials do not pollute our air, land, water, animals, or people)…
We learn to talk by imitating those around us, this is why we speak the same language as our parents or caregivers. It seems to me that relationship is the same way, we learn to relate by copying those around us.
Learning to speak a foreign language is much easier when it is immersion, it’s easier to learn Spanish when living in Mexico. The opposite is also true in that it is much harder to learn healthy relationship skills when surrounded by people who relate poorly.
Speaking our native tongue is easy, even if it’s Pig Latin, gibberish, or Klingon, speaking it would be effortless on our part if we grew up immersed in this language. This is why dysfunctional relating comes so easily and is normal to us, since birth many of us have been surrounded by examples of what not to do. Relationships where no one is getting their needs met nor are they unconditionally loved…
After a gorgeous fun day at the lake we tried a new local restaurant with two other families. While eating one father said he couldn’t trade food because they are vegetarian. My wife commented how I don’t understand vegetarianism and asked him why they don’t eat meat.
Internally, as I was listening to him, my ego was in full on battle mode and finding inconsistencies, hypocrisy, and all kinds of reasons why his choice is wrong. If I had voiced my inner lawyer, what are the chances that he would say “oh wow I never thought of that, I’ve been such a fool and I’m going to start eating meat right now, thanks so much for educating me”? Probably about as likely as him convincing me to stop eating meat and changing my diet.
Later that evening I remembered the principle of common ground…
I checked Facebook the morning after the election and it was post after post of voting woes. Then I looked away from my phone and saw my 19 month old son playing happy as can be without a care in the world. He doesn’t care who won the election, he probably doesn’t know there was an election, nor what an election is…
The most unique surf session I have had yet. Fall always brings gifts, treats, and magical days. After six months of spring and summer onshore winds Ocean Beach smooths over for a beautiful day of fun waves, a pod of dolphins, and a Great White Shark jumping straight up clean out of the water. Maybe most incredible is that the Surfline camera captured the amazing shark jump. I always look forward to fall and appreciate the arrival, and now I suspect this day will stand out in my memories for a long time.
Below is the entire video with narration from this magical fall day.
Length – 02:57
I hope you enjoy…
I was shopping for a new propane hose for a camp stove. A big box hardware store was selling it for $25, and at the small local hardware store it was $40.
Both stores were about the same distance out of our way, my first thought was what a ripoff, why pay more for the exact same product? And then I wondered if I really wanted to go to the huge warehouse megastore and feel unknown in some cold uncaring system? In my feeling torn over where to shop the question that came to me is what is that extra $15 supporting? Or what does our world look like when our custom(er) is to support local mom and pop shops or huge international chain megastores…
