A Matter of Life and Depth

I do not see myself as a very deep person.

My experience tells me that I am much better at being focused, at paying attention, than at being deep or profound. My background is more strategic, more about achieving results. I am only now beginning to trust my intuition.

Most of the deepest times for me have been situations into which I have stumbled. I am fairly clueless about the implications of a meeting and ask a question out of confusion or curiosity, and someone thinks I am getting to the heart of the matter. I listen to someone and, over time, I hear the themes of their experiences.

Depth is not a place where I spend extended periods of time. My depth is a flash of insight, a turning of a key, the moment the sun rises over the horizon.

I tend to stand on the shore or in the shallows, watching depth and wondering. Depth is beyond my powers of analysis, beyond my ability to control.

Depth reminds me of the one time I have ever actually been in the ocean, my one surfing lesson with my friend Beth Slevcove.

I have several natural disadvantages as a surfer. I am not able to wear my glasses, so I cannot see much of anything. It became more challenging to hear anything each time my head went under water, which happened fairly often. I was barely able to control anything at all, and I learned a great deal.

Depth is overwhelming, and overwhelmingly attractive. Spending time with depth reminds me that it is beyond my understanding, and beyond my control. It is reassuring in its overwhelming power and depth.

Depth challenges us, intimidates us, and holds lessons for us.

What are your deepest times?

When are you beyond your own control and understanding?

[Image by mrhayata]