Are we there (zen) yet?

Sometimes, I love the feeling of being a little secluded. A few days of relative solitude does wonders for my soul. A borderline introvert, I also tend to crave it after a bit of crazy, and this is exactly what we got at Smalley’s Beach in Cape Hillsborough.

We’d come from Airlie Beach where the weather was brilliant, the snorkeling fun, and the turquoise waters awe inspiring. I found myself mildly nostalgic as we pulled in. I’d last visited Airlie as a backpacker nearly 20 years ago, and here I was again – looking (not feeling) just a little older, and sporting (of course) a totally different haircut. I also had my family in tow and was eager to share the fond memories I had of boating on the reef.  These were still so fresh in my memory, despite being all those years ago.

This time, the experience with kids and husband in tow was totally different but equally as fun as my first. I grew up boating, so couldn’t wait to get zip across the open water and feel the rush of wind on my face.  We booked a boat tour with Zig Zag, who seemed to cater for all types (including young kids). Yet again, I was reminded of how small and insignificant I was as I jumped into the open ocean. Here I was an interloper, and intruder, in this opulent Cerulean Kingdom. Who knew what little wonders would lie deep beneath the sea?

The kids made a good attempt at snorkeling and when they tired, floated face down on a stand-up paddle board with their goggles submerged in the water while the crew paddled them around to the ‘good bits’ of the reef. Mr M, a trained Marine Biologist, loved his first visit to the Whitsundays and managed to spot a turtle and huge Barramundi Cod in his travels. I call him Mr Nature – animals always manage to find him.

The vibe in Airlie was lovely, but once we’d been on the water, part of me was happy to leave this busy transient town for a quieter retreat.

We arrived at Smalley’s Beach late morning, and I immediately fell in love with the crystal blue ocean on our doorstop, the abundance of shade provided by the trees and the gentle sea breeze lapping at our faces. What a bargain view for $25 a night! I was more than happy to trade hot showers, flushing toilets and tap fresh water for this, and the long drop toilets were some of the nicest smelling I’d encountered 🙂

I’m the first to admit I love getting dressed up – I’ll trade makeup tips and fashion talk with the best of them. But those who know me best know I’m also very comfortable kicking around makeup free and in the same outfit (unshowered) for a few days. I actually love it – it makes that next hot shower and dress up even more satisfying. Plus, there’s something so liberating (and relieving!) about not having to look at your face in the mirror for a few days.

Dinner on night 2 was some fresh Spotted Cod caught by Mr M, which I steamed in some foil on the barbie with a bit of what we had on hand (garlic, honey, olive oil and lemon juice).  I steamed some rice, and chucked together a bit of salad we’d brought, and voila! Delicioso!

The one thing I didn’t enjoy at Smalley’s were the midgies – usually, I’m immune to being bitten by flying insects (I think I was bitten so often as a child that other insects can sense that I’ve been spent!).  But these little blighters were relentless. After a while, I got scared of DEET poisoning I’d applied so often, so ended up in long sleeves and jeans (at night).

While at Samlley’s, we made the 5am trip to see the Wallabies on ‘Kangaroo Beach’ at sunrise – I was so happy to finally get my sunrise pic, after so many good intentions but absolutely no will power to get up that early. The kids wanting to see the wallabies provided the ultimate motivation, and it was well worth it.

Warning – there doesn’t seem to be any sign posting to a place called ‘Kangaroo Beach’ (despite the advertisements), but head to Cape Hillsborough Tourist Park and you’ll find them J

We’re currently in Mackay for a few nights – grateful for the hospitality of my dear Friend, Al.  It’s been lovey to catch up with her, and enjoy that (satisfying) shower and a real bed. It’s been nice to have a ‘pit stop’ to re-group, re-stock and re-fuel a little.

So, you might ask, how is all this travel helping me find my ‘zen’? The truth is, I never expected this trip to be complete ‘bliss’ every minute of the day (as the name might imply). At the end of the day, you’re still doing many of the the same things (like shopping, cooking, washing, disciplining) – just from a different location. But I like the word ‘zen’ for its broader meaning.

The word ‘zen’ originated in China during the Tang Dynasty in ‘Chan Buddhism’. ‘Zen’ is the Japanese pronunciation of the word ‘Chan’, and central to this is the practice of ‘dhyana’ or ‘meditation’.  At it’s core, zen is about taking time to observe the mind, allowing thoughts to pass without judgement, in a state of calm.  It’s about being in a state of ‘presence’, fully aware of the here and now, slowing things down. And whilst the image of a cross legged Yogi may come to mind, I believe it’s possible to achieve this state of mindfulness in every moments (even the more hectic ones).

I’m the first to admit this takes practice. Even without the stress of everyday living, I have moments of judgement and doubt. Are we doing the right thing? How can I be productive? Will I find it too hard to adjust back to real life after so much time out? What if no-one wants to hire me? For me (an eternal ‘doer’ with lashings of angst and perfectionism) finding a state of contentment and peace isn’t easy. Just to ‘be’, and actually not think at all, is easier said than done.

So far, I’ve found the best strategy is to immerse myself. Immersing myself in the people and things around me (my family, small pleasures like a cup of tea or the view), letting go of perfectionism, embracing play, have worked best for me. Games like ‘find the 50 cent piece thrown into the pool’ are great time wasters, made my children feel valued and have actually felt good!

In the past, I’ve also found that it helps to think about ‘time out’ as if I were a professional tennis player. I’ve heard it said that once a point is won or lost, many successful tennis players see the time between points as the most critical to their game. They use this time for recovery, re-set and positive self-talk. What’s happened has happened. All that matters now is what happens next. How they play the next point. How they get on top (or stay on top) of their game. Self-loathing, pity or arrogance have no place here. They focus constructively on what went right (or wrong), and what they need to do next. Nothing else.

This trip is my ‘time between points’. My recovery time, discovery time. I know from experience how much richer it will make both my perspective on life, and my passion. After this, I’ll be ready to come at whatever’s next with renewed energy, and a feeling of freedom. I can give my all, because this is what I have chosen to do.

We’re never trapped in one place, one space, forever. We choose where we are, and equally, we can choose to be somewhere else. This is our absolute power and freedom.

I’ve loved using some moments of solitude to get my game plan on and focus on the freedom I’m lucky enough to have – but mostly, just enjoy being.