Lewis And Clark Pay Attention

As I write this Southern California has just ended its second week of triple digit temperatures. The intense heat changes the way we live and alters the rhythm of our days. We are up earlier to walk the dog while the park is still cool. We spend a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning. We've been eating better. We don't want to heat up the house with the stove ? so it's salads and chicken from the grill. And, as I don't want to head out in my black car two or three times a day, I find myself thinking more about what I need to do and combining trips and make lists.

When I take a break and flop in front of the TV I watch the third Hurricane in as many weeks bear down on Florida. When I try to call the airline to book my Christmas vacations a cheerful voice tells me there is no-one to answer my call right now because of the extreme weather across most of this country.

It occurs to me that we're paying attention to the weather. Or, more accurately, Mother Nature is commanding our attention whether we want to give it or not.

I'm reminded of a trip of the Western states I took years ago when I followed the river course of Lewis and Clark. They took on the amazingly brave project of finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean through uncharted, then-foreign territory. They took their guidance from the Indians and sailed for years on swollen rivers around mountains and plains where no white man had ever been. They rose when the sun rose and took to their beds when dusk fell ? battling mosquitoes as big as small birds throughout the night. Illness and hunger were their frequent companions. Fear walked in step with them.

They paid attention to the weather.

In 1803 when they began their expedition it would have been unthinkable to have made any decision on their journey without considering what nature would bring that day. A wrong move could have exposed them to great danger or even death and could've meant the abandonment of their trip ? ten years in the planning.

Today, we're pretty much cocooned inside our aggressively air-conditioned or heated automobiles, homes and offices. When we venture outside we wear space-industry fabrics which conserve our body heat or wick moisture away from our skin. We don't even need to go outside. From our computer we can make a living, socialize and keep in touch with our extended family all from one room.

It's easy to forget that we survive with the grace of, and at the mercy of, a natural world which has its own laws.

So every so often when we are stopped in our tracks by nature and we become aware of the all-encompassing reality which contains our all-important man-made world our perspective shifts.

We become aware of the dualities of our lives. Controllable or uncontrollable. Important or unimportant. Man-made or natural. And as always reality guides us just as surely as it guided that brave party from the Missouri to the Pacific Ocean.

Mary Rosendale is a writer, speaker and Founder of "The Constructed Life" a unique Holistic Life Coaching Service which assists people in re-directing their lives with purpose and action. Visit her on the web at http://www.TheConstructedLife.com and sign up for her free newsletter or check out her blog at http://TheCosntructedlife.blogs.com

---

Dont Let The Door Hit You Where The Good Lord Split You!

I knew precisely what I wanted. I felt that success... Read More

Fear, Faith, and Believing vs. Knowing

Fear is deeply rooted in uncertainty. Think about it; the... Read More

Are We There Yet?

In a recent disaster, a man was asked why he... Read More

The Best Gift to Give Yourself and Others

I'm often asked the question, "How can I best help... Read More

World Kindness Day

Once upon a time, in ancient India, a beggar favored... Read More

Taking Life Head On

"We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals... Read More

Inspired For Women

One man can make a difference. I've been saying this... Read More

My Favorite Movies Journal

The movies--what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I... Read More

A Plan Of Attack

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 28,... Read More

Why Read Inspirational Quotes?

Maybe you've heard this one:"What does it profit a man... Read More

8 Ways to Get Your Healthy Groove On

You've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." I... Read More

Searching for the Meaning of Life!

Are you looking for the meaning of life?You work all... Read More

A Brick Wall

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 18,... Read More

Fulfill Your Dreams: Believe in You

What we believe plays a very big role in outcomes... Read More

Play It Forward --Living A Life Youve Always Wanted!

What would your life be like if you lived each... Read More

Universal Thought System Language Keywords

Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More

Good-Bye Yesterday, Hello Today

Many of us are unable to move forward with our... Read More

You Can Make a Difference

When I study of world these days, I see a... Read More

I Dont Like This

You always do this wrong, how many times would I... Read More

Virtual Chocolate

A second on your lips forever on your hips never... Read More

When Was the Last Time?

When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?When... Read More

5 Simple Tips For A Better Life

How can we enjoy a better lifestyle?'Easy' I hear you... Read More

Put To The Sword

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 23,... Read More

Do We Really Want to Be There Yet

The beauty in creation is in the process, in every... Read More

What Company Does Your Business Keep?

A man is known by the company he keeps. We... Read More

L.S. Macs Treasures

Such as my defeat overwhelmed me, so did my love... Read More

Believe in Yourself!

A near middle-aged man in one of my last workshops... Read More

A Bad Move

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 7,... Read More

The Importance of Friendship

My students and clients have constantly heard me stress that... Read More

Breaking Through Uncertainty - Welcoming Advertisty

We all question our ability at times. Uncertainty plagues us.... Read More

How I Get Joy as a Value

*In the last couple of months, I have been fortunate... Read More

What Is Your Real Worth?

Consider this. If it is possible to quote you as... Read More

Anamcara - The Blessing of Peace

"Come out of the circle of time and into... Read More