When I was in college I sat for a speech called "Landfalls and Departures" by one of my favorite professors at UNH. He was water man, having spent most of his career on and around the water, teaching about sailing ships and maritime history. That day I knew I was listening to something very important but at the time I could not quite figure out why. Basically the speech was about how in life we have a succession of landfalls and departures, as a sailing ship might. We come into port, tired, weary, and ready for the stability of solid ground and the luxuries of port. However, not long after landfall, the excitement of departure sets in and we gear up for another great voyage, filled with opportunity, fear, and excitement.
I have been sailing for the last thirteen years. Yes, there has been small landfalls and departures but never the complete retool, head on out, mega departure. I get it now....about 8 months ago my ship made landfall. It was both a blessing and curse to put my weary feet on solid ground. The fear of setting sail again lasted almost 8 months. There is so much on the high seas to scare the living shit out of you and the last sail was just so long. I am not sure if we depart tomorrow or the next day or the next but I do know departure is coming soon. The fear of what is out there is still inside me but the excitement and opportunity of the journey is starting to take hold. I do hope that my soul decides to sail again soon. I could use the blank horizon and the rhythmic rock of the sea.
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