I am fortunate to have lived a rather eclectic existence thus far - with no signs of that changing any time soon. My days go from left brain, problem-solving-oriented activities, to right brain, creative activities. This variety has added perspective to my world in many ways - and as my thinking skills continue to evolve, so do my creative skills - and vice versa.
I mention this today because I have been thinking about a concept that I apply on a daily basis in my professional world - and how it applies to my everyday life. It is that of "Specific Adaptations To Imposed Demands". From a cellular perspective, this simply means that the tissues of the body adapt to the demands imposed upon them. For example, weight bearing activities foster an in crease in bone density, and strength training fosters muscular strength and power development. Both are examples of very specific adaptations that the human body makes in order to adapt to the demands placed on the system. Within this concept, we traditionally think of the primary tissues of the human body - muscle, bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament being the main examples.
... I learned in kindergarten ... or at least that's how the book is entitled, yes?
Admittedly, Robert Fulghum gave us a delightful exploration of this in his 1986 novel. I read it after much cajoling from those around me. Friends said that it was a "must read" - but I always get a little conerned about the "must read" list because it usually involves some level of "pablum for the masses". Eventually, I read it - and it was definitely a necessary addition to my bookshelf.
Yesterday, I found myself wondering - if perhaps "all I really need to know" was something I learned in utero. Perhaps kindergarten was merely my graduate degree. If that were perhaps the case, then my PhD would be life-long learning. Of course, this evolved into the thought of "if PhD stands for 'Piled Higher and Deeper' then day-to-day life was definitely given me a doctoral dissertation"!
There are moments that defy description. Words may not adequately describe them, and they could be fleeting at best - but you definitely know you're there when it's taking place.
This morning, I got to revisit one that I'd forgotten from years past - and again, although fleeting, was truly incredible.
There is a left hand turn at about mile 4 in the 3M half marathon course (which I've now run for the past 4 consecutive years). You're heading down Mesa, then you turn left onto Spicewood Springs. If it's a crisp, clear January morning (which it has tended to be over the past few years), you might arrive there around 7:30 am or so - just after the sun has started to rise. To this point, you've been in relative shade (and probably a little chilly). As the road starts to descend, your pace quickens, taking advantage of gravity as your legs unwind underneath you. Then - that turn - and this blazing sunlight just over the tree tops in the median. The sun's rays are warm and almost blinding - sunglasses barely help to protect you from the glare. It is a moment of beauty, one that reminds you of how great it is to be out running on a Sunday morning. It's almost as if the temperature rises while you face the sun, dropping down to the fifth mile marker.
The phrase "Rhubarb Diaries" has had a rather intriguing evolution over time. In many ways, it started off as an off-hand commentary (that frankly, made no initial sense to me), but became something that is synonymous with "me".
How did this all come about?
I've been a writer-in-disguise (and musician, and photographer, and ...) for many years. The creative element has always existed in my world - maintaining a fine balance with the left brain, "scientific method" persona of my education and profession. Many of my friends - even those I have known for many years - really have no inkling that that person exists. Of course, I find this rather humorous (and fascinating). I guess it must be that sort of "quiet musician/artist and his work" thing.
At one point, I decided it was time to start sharing more of this creative element with the world. This website (and the book that will evolve within it) is a piece of that puzzle.
The first piece of writing I really shared with anyone was the report of my experiences training for Ironman. The feedback was phenomenal. I then had a discussion with a close friend of mine, John, when I was home in August 2005.
I need to preface this by saying that John has always had a dry sense of humor - which I have always appreciated!
Here is how the conversation goes ...
John: Thanks for sending me that race report. You're a really good writer.
Allan: Thanks! It's going to be the basis for my book someday.
John: Great! A book? That's great. You should call it "The Rhubarb Diaries".
Allan: (thinking "what the hell?") Ummm I don't think I understand.
John: Well, it's kinda like the "Motorcycle Diaries".
Allan: (now thinking that he needs to see "The Motorcycle Diaries", but assumes that John has some clue as to what he is talking about) Ok ... now what about the rhubarb part?
John: Remember when you won the rhubarb at that running race you did here a few years ago?
Allan: (thinking back to a long lost moment) Oh yeah ... funny you'd remembered that! (Yes, I won rhubarb at a running event - only in Brockville, Ontario does a slow 5K get you 3rd place in your age group and a rhubarb plant for your work - or lack thereof I suppose)
... and therein lies the basis for what you read (and see, and hear) on this site.
Now I best get down to watching that movie ...
There were many years in which I truly believed that Hawai'i was probably one of the last places I wanted to visit. Commercialized. A tourist mecca. Haven for newlyweds and the like. Las Vegas of the Pacific -ok, well maybe not quite that bad (and certainly with a whole lot less polyester) ...
Then I made that fateful trip to the Big Island in 2002 - and my life changed forever.
I can look back on it now and chuckle a bit. I went purely for non-metaphysical reasons - to experience the Ironman World Championship (and as a coach no less). It was a short trip, and the intent was, admittedly, far from "self-discovery". But all it took was walking off the plane, onto the tarmac at the airport in Kona - and I knew it was a special place. There is a purity, a vibe, a power that emanates and pervades all existence on the Big Island. It is something that words can't truly describe. It's a bit mystical and other-worldly, but it was definitely something I noticed immediately upon arrival.
They call it Turkey Day ... the day before the college football rivalries play out on stages around the country ... and they also call it Thanksgiving Day. This is a time to share with loved ones and to essentially "give thanks".
I've discovered that Thanksgiving should be a daily occurrence - and not just the time to gorge on turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and the Dallas Cowboys.
This day serves as but a reminder that every day should be one to give thanks - for health, for family, for friends, for the capacity to pursue intellectual and physical pursuits. Perhaps it shouldn't be even a daily thing - perhaps it's truly being thankful for the moment, the space between experiences and memories, the breath of fresh air that is found in the purity of flow from moment to moment.
Turkey is good, but it just isn't enough - and eating it daily would just be too much for the taste buds!
"A rolling stone gathers no moss" ...
... but THE Rolling Stones show us the true meaning of life, the timeless beauty of music and the blues and the musical hooks that just never fade with the sands of time. Tonight was a special moment in time - in which I got to experience (once again) what music is all about, what true performers bring to the stage.
Let's face it - the Rolling Stones are, as they say, the Greatest Rock And Roll Band - ever. Sure, they can put on a spectacle - and both times that I have seen them in action have indeed been "spectacles". The stage show is high-tech - but in the same breath, is just plain down-and-dirty, back alley, rock and roll grit.
But it's when you get down to the music and the performance of it that you realize what sets these gents apart. They've been a band since the early '60s - so yes, they are a tight musical force to be reckoned with. When you play with folks for that long, you get an undeniable groove that digs deep. It's that ability to play behind the beat, that greasy quality that is just so right - yet not sound off time or out of tune.
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Dip.MDT has a unique voice in the world of sports, education, and health care. Read more about Allan here.