By Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones
Photo by Janet Nummi
Never Confuse the Destination With the Journey
“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.” ~ Henry Miller
Recently, I experienced an exquisite day to “be” on the water. I volunteered to be a crew member on the sailing vessel named Jade, for a Hospice Cup event. I got to track the time on a stopwatch – which, fortunately for me, required very few sailing skills – if any. Suffice it to say, my job was essentially to sit and watch the REAL sailors do their thing.
As Captain Al Lima piloted his beautiful boat out of the harbor under diesel power a noisy “go-fast” speed boat zoomed by us, adding more ear-piercing noise to the moment. We waived and smiled as the noise faded in the distance. Then Captain Al turned off the engine on Jade as the crew hoisted the sails. The silence of running with the wind was stunning. At that moment, John, an experienced sailor, turned to me, smiled and, after taking a deep breath, said “The destination is the boat.” As the noise from the engine ceased, his words penetrated my mind and heart – bringing me back to the present moment and I got it: powerboats are on a mission to get somewhere, usually fast; on a sailboat, once we hoisted the sails, we’ve arrived at our destination – the pristine, present moment. Even while preparing for a Hospice Cup. “Race” it really wasn’t about winning anything – it was about being one with the moment, the crew members, the water, and, oh, the dolphins, countless dolphins all around us, popping up to welcome us to the silence.
The takeaway is simple enough. It reminded me to slow down, way down, and appreciate the moment. When tethered to one’s breath, silence seems to open the portal to the present moment, unlike any other experience. There is deep and profound wisdom in the admonition, “Be still and know.” Be still, listen, and know you have arrived. The practice is to remember it’s not always getting to the destination that matters most – it’s about enjoying the journey along the way; it’s about understanding the difference between “being” and “doing.” As Ram Dass wrote, “Be here now.” Slow down, be still, breathe, listen to the silence, and smile – knowing we’ve already arrived on our journey to the place we never left; our oneness with life. Enjoy every sacred second of that journey because it is the most important one we’ll ever take.
Peace, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones • Copyright © 2023 – DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.comDennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of six books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availably as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com.