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Flying in the Slow
Lane
Author: Maureen
Killoran
Dogs distrust hot air balloons. I gathered
this tidbit as my husband and I floated over the mountains
in a wicker gondola, listening to the barking chorus that
followed us even 3,000 feet into the air. The burner evokes
canine protest - but we had no problems, as we drifted with
the currents and contemplated the silent fog in its morning
retreat over the hills.
We learned that a mere a six foot rise in
altitude can change your direction, if your vehicle is a hot
air balloon. We learned that the tops of trees look a lot
different from above, and birds look surprised if you greet
them in their nest. We waved reassurance to cows whose moos
voiced concern at our strange presence overhead and we called
"good morning" to the folk who blessed us with their waves.
"Are those sheep?" my husband wondered, pointing to toy animals
far below. "No," said our pilot placidly. "Cows." They turned
out to be horses, but who cared.
For the duration of our flight, nothing mattered,
and that was perhaps the biggest lesson of the morning. Letting
go of anxiety. Letting go of fear. Letting go of expectations.
Letting go of everything - except the absolute pleasure of
quiet flight, confidence in the balloonist's competence, and
sensitivity to the beauty of that is our gift for living in
these hills. Take a hot air balloon ride. Treat yourself to
a massage. Walk in the early morning dew. Listen - really
listen - to the insects, the birds. Smile at a cat you haven't
met. Take time for the slower things and Life will find a
thousand ways to turn the blessing back to you.
© Maureen Killoran, 2005
About the Author Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin,
is a Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect
their strengths with their vision. Watch for Maureen's forthcoming
e-workbook, Spirit Tickling -- a selection of her absolutely
best articles, with questions to lead you further on your
path of personal growth.
http://www.spiritquestcoaching.com
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