Mapmakers of antiquity used to make a notation at the edges of early world maps; “Beyond this point there be dragons”. Had they actually gone there and seen those dragons, probably not. So why would they write something like that? I think it was because they imagined that bad things lived just beyond our horizon. Fortunately for us, other people who were more optimistic, either ignored those warnings or recognized them for what they were and ventured forth, discovered new lands and proved that the earth wasn’t flat after all.A few people have had a strong reaction to us when we mention that we’re going to sail around the world. They point out the dangers; pirates, rogue waves, storms at sea, giant sharks, etc… I figure that they're talking about “dragons”. Often I’m struck by the strength of the reaction and associated emotion projected by these well-intentioned doomsayers, especially the ones who seem intent on changing our minds. It’s not like we were born yesterday and have never heard of these things. We’re aware of all these dangers and more and have taken them into account in planning this trip. We’ve also weighed and accepted the risks as part of the price of admission to this incredible journey.
I have a theory that the imagined dangers these pessimists are projecting are actually fragments of fear that swim the great waters of our collective subconscious. The ocean is a living metaphor and symbol of our subconscious mind; deep, almost unfathomable water, strong tidal forces, murky depths where things we can’t completely fathom move about and threaten us. It's important to realize the fear that arises from the shadowy depth of our subconscious isn’t rational and should be questioned. Fear is a double-edged instrument; one side keeps you sharp and alert, prepared for danger, the other side can cripple you with anxiety, preventing you from living a full and exciting life. I have a message for all the nervous people who are worried about our plans; you can stay in your own homes, your own yards, your familiar cities for as long as you need to. I know that’s relevant and important to you just as venturing forth is important to us. It’s all good, just different.
Some Kiss We Want
There is some kiss we want with our whole lives,
the touch of spirit on the body.
Seawater begs the pearl to break its shell.
And the lily, how passionately it needs
some wild darling!
At night, I open the window and ask the moon
to come and press its face against mine.
Breathe into me.
Close the language- door and open the love window.
The moon won't use the door, only the window.
Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks
There is some kiss we want with our whole lives,
the touch of spirit on the body.
Seawater begs the pearl to break its shell.
And the lily, how passionately it needs
some wild darling!
At night, I open the window and ask the moon
to come and press its face against mine.
Breathe into me.
Close the language- door and open the love window.
The moon won't use the door, only the window.
Rumi as translated by Coleman Barks
240 days...
