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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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BOATS & BEATERS
In the San Juan Islands we have two main modes of transportation. They are boats and beaters. Boats run the gamut from kayaks and inflatable skiffs with small outboard motors to sailboats and larger craft with powerful inboard engines. Beaters include all sorts of hybrid and patched-together land vehicles that move people and things around the island, but would not survive in mainland traffic. I've been observing both the boats and the beaters lately, and I've noticed a few interesting things about them. First, it's difficult for them to get going from a state of rest. Both power boats and beaters often belch smoke when their engines initially start, but the smoking usually goes away until they have to strain again. Sailboats must wait for the wind to move them forward. Second, both boats and beaters prefer to take advantage of natural forces. Beaters do better going downhill with gravity helping out. Boats prefer to travel with the currents, both in the water and in the wind. Third, once moving it takes a lot to make them stop. That's why sailboats under sail have the right-of-way over power boats. It's also why many docks have been wrecked during landings, and several beaters with inadequate brakes have failed to negotiate a few curves on island roads. We humans are a lot like those boats and beaters I've been observing. It takes a lot to get us moving from a state of rest. We're often lazy and enjoy being pulled along rather than doing work. Then, once we get our momentum going, it's not easy to stop or negotiate curves on our path. I'm going to have to keep observing those boats and beaters to see how their captains and drivers handle them. Who knows what else I'll learn about myself in the process.
© 2003 David Bentley David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life, helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. You may contact him at 360.378.8436 by e-mail at david@coachbentley.com or visit his Web site: www.coachbentley.com |
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