Leap, and the net will appear. -Zen saying.
It has always been a little unnerving to put my words out there for the whole world to read, because it’s hard to take them back once I’ve done so. Note to self: Maybe this speaks to a fear of commitment?
Without the nuances, intonation, inflection and body language observable in face-to-face interactions, it’s quite easy for people to misunderstand each other when it comes to interpreting the written word.
Perhaps that’s why photography has felt safer and easier to put out there for me so far. But that’s not my true nature. This blog aims to be a space for my nature and other writing to emerge and further evolve, and a conduit for putting imperfect words and random thoughts out there, knowing that they will resonate with some, and evoke responses from others.
I used to think that wilderness and space were the final frontiers for human beings, but now know that the last great wild places to be explored and discovered lie within each one of us. There’s so much to be revealed and to be shared with the world by doing so. There’s tremendous freedom and personal power gained by examining our limiting beliefs, our roles, our thoughts, our fears, and our potential, and by remembering our individual natures, dreams, desires and goals. Spending regular time in nature helps us remember and embody this. And maybe even act upon it.
It only takes one creative spark to reignite something long forgotten, denied, discouraged or dampened to roar back into life, if we allow ourselves this risk, this opportunity. But it takes confidence, trust and faith to fan those flames, to nurture and strengthen the tender fire within, and to courageously bring it forth to warm and fuel the hearts, souls and spirits of others, unattached to outcomes or rewards.
There’s no more time, reasons or excuses for me to hold anything back any more. I’ve done plenty of that in what now feels like a previous life.
Life is short. Life is now. Just do it.
I have been blessed by countless adventures and times spent in incredibly wild places all over the planet, and I undoubtedly will continue to do so.But it’s also time to unselfconsciously share what I have to offer to the larger world.
Actually, the world is waiting for all of us to do that. I no longer hold myself back from doing so. There is an unseen bridge that supports us all when we take such leaps. I always land on my feet, and I may very well end up landing in a place much grander and greater than anything I can imagine.
There is, after all, only one way to find out. My excitement is more powerful than my fear.
Welcome to YourLifeNature.
Hobie Hare
Congratulations, Hobie!!
What a fine start to your blogadventure! I believe your writing will help many remember and reignite passions just simmering below the surface.
Thank you, Carmen. One reason why I lived and worked in Yellowstone year-round for nearly five years was its irresistible, incredible power and simplicity, if you follow me here. Nature, to me anyway, is indifferent as to whether individuals live or die, sink or swim, you name it. It’s nothing personal. I am free to tread lightly and be reinvigorated while roaming this wilderness, or not, but nonetheless I am totally responsible for my own life out here as well. Cell phones or choppers may or may not rescue me in time, be it due to poor planning, preparation, flexibility, unintelligent decision making, or random back-country misfortune.
I’m more stripped down, naked, and vulnerable out in wild places, yet at the same time feel more alive and present and free of so many of the “real world’s” distractions here, too. Decisions and priorities seem so simple there, where I am largely at peace, attentive, and focused, yet open to spontaneity from moment to moment.
How exciting it was to have 2.2 million acres of wilderness as a backyard, with adventures beckoning year-round to test my mettle and confidence, and to share special places, wonders and memories with others. I miss it every day. Yet just outside my door in Missoula, Montana, an unlimited menu of abundant life lessons and opportunities in nature awaits exploration and discovery, if I dare to go there. Who knows what I just might learn about myself and others from doing so. The natural world, to sum up, teaches me flexibility, strength, humility, and resourcefulness, and reminds me of my humanity and connectedness to other beings. Natural characteristics we already possess to embody and use in service to others in the real world.
Hobie- I love reading your thoughts and interpreting for myself the meaning in my life. You have helped guide me throughout our bootcamp and even now as a grounded person, one always willing to be open, honest and upfront with whatever is going on.
Thank you for sharing your visions with us.
Phyllis Klein
Hey Phyllis,
Thanks for your response. We are all really here to support each other, and that is what has been so cool about the Energy Rich experience that so many of us have shared. The advanced coaching class reflects that at an even higher level, and I am so glad I worked through my reservations to commit to that.
Both classes, and nature itself, remind me that there’s a lot more that I can be doing besides playing small, getting by, and settling for what life may bring me instead of going for what I want. That’s living life alone and disengaged instead of making the most and best of things.
Yes, those visually arresting descriptions of grizzlies are pretty vivid, but they’re also a wonderful reality check when things in the human or “real word” become a little too squirrelly for me. Things more rapidly return to a measured perspective.
Thanks, Phyllis, for all you have done as well to support and encourage others to grow and change through your example.
Peace,
Hobie
Hobie,
It’s wonderful to read your blogs. That intro photo is so calm and serene – where did you find that? It’s a masterpiece of landscape design and mood lighting.
See ya Thursday,
Erik
Hey Erik,
Thanks! The intro photo is one from a menu of images you can select when creating a blog at http://www.wordpress.com
I have tried to upload some of my own images to the site, but to no avail thus far, so that will have to wait, and in the meantime the stone bridge and calm lighting in this image convey the mood and tone I hope to bring forth from time to time in this blog space.
Wishing you well, with much peace, and see you manana when I am one earth year older:)
Hobie
Hobie, You’re a wonderful photographer and a gifted writer. I loved perusing your blog.
Keep sharing your incredible gifts with the world!
Thanks Laurel!
Many blessings to you, too, as you share your gifts with others and in turn help them discover their own gifts.
Am especially grateful for the increased opportunities to guide, teach and learn from others lately.
Love and light, and enjoy the day in front of you!
Hobie
Thanks for starting your Ezine. I loved the first few issues and as a subscriber I am looking forward to reading many more. Hope it is a long-lived and fruitful endeavor for you (and for us fans).
Merle
Thank you very much, Merle!
Here’s hoping that this is truly only the beginning of an engaged and connected community of nature lovers who meet here from time to time to reflect, share and re-energize, and then return to the larger world to share what they love with others.
I also hope you have a great holiday season and an awesome 2012, and look for the next e-zine issue in January…
All the best, and thanks again for sharing!
Hobie