The Convergence Zone

I was almost killed on a boat once, and I’m sure it’s a story I’ll tell well into old age. We were leaving the San Juan Islands and opted to take the outer passage to return to Seattle after a day of fishing. As we moved into the vast open water, the gray skies turned black and the water started to swell just enough to worry this non-swimmer. At first, the waves just rocked the 22 ft boat back and forth…back and forth. Then, we slowly came upon a convergence zone of open tumultuous water, hailing winds running through the pass, and foul weather that called the Puget Sound to open up like it was going to eat us. At one point, the waves were almost too big for the boat to climb, and that is when I knew I was going to die.

Well, okay – this is where the similarities might end. But, convergence zones can be challenging, exciting and create unexpected events. And, that is certainly how I would characterize all of the wonderful information I’ve surface about myself as I prepare my psyche for more success. I needed to figure out that one thing that might get in my way, and now… I know the culprit. I know the precautions to put into place as I move into this next phase of our work. It’s not huge and it won’t keep me out of big waters – but knowing allows me to be more prepared.

We didn’t put on our life vests until the water was pretty rough, so the Girl Scout mantra “be prepared” was obviously lost on me at the time. By the time I got around to it, putting the life vest on the dog was like dressing a spooked rabid animal. Not good. The last thing I remember was feeling the dishes and debris falling on us as my partner’s daughter cried in my arms, “I want my mommy!” We held each other until we collapsed in exhaustion, and when we awoke it was like we were in a Disney movie. The sun was shining, we could hear the birds as they followed the boat, and the water was as flat as a ride in Disneyland. And, we could see land!

I can remember the emotion of this experience with a vividness unlike any other. (okay, with the exception of the birth of my children) In fact, I can’t think about that day without recalling the magnitude of awe I felt at that moment. The heat of the sunshine on my face, the gratitude for good skippering, and the smiles – I swear, even the dog had a smirk on his face. It was a beautiful thing. And, that was how I felt after Monday’s session. We had just come out a convergence zone – of sorts - and we started to explore how our talents, skills and interests connect. (Another convergence zone, if you will.) Like the sunshine that day, sharing what we’ve come to value about each other was a moment I will cherish forever. Again, I was in awe of the magnificence unfolding.