In The Powder Room

Sep 24

Kayaking for the soul

Comments (34) by Janie Emaus September 24, 2012 - 6:02 AM

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Most activities require that you concentrate on what you're doing.

Going down a black diamond ski run (or in my case, the bunny hill) requires your undivided attention so as not to smash into a tree or another skier. Doing flips off a high dive (or in my case, a back dive from the side of the pool) demands that you stay totally focused.

Baseball, soccer, basketball...you name it. You need be aware of your teammates. 

Even while doing aerobics you have to stay somewhat in sync with the other members of your class.

And there sits my big problem. Lately, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to stay in sync with the world around me for any significant length of time.

So you can imagine my joy when I was given the opportunity to go kayaking again, an activity that requires little or no concentration.

In fact, it is the lack of having to think of anything at all except the serenity spread out before me, that makes me wish I lived closer to a lake so that I could start every day in this manner.

Now, don't get me wrong. You do have to concentrate (a little) while taking the kayak down to the lake so that you don't drop it on your toe. And you have to be careful while climbing inside in order to avoid tipping over.

But once in the seat, with your back resting comfortably against the cushion and your hands gripping the oar, you simply have to move your arms in a repetitive motion and the world is yours.

The paddling becomes automatic. Your brain automatically shuts off. Worries and cares disappear for a few hours.

How could they not, when you're in the middle of Mother Nature? Birds skittering on the top of the water. Your kayak skimming over plants, creating a whooshing mantra sound. Wispy clouds in the sky. The sun beating down on your legs and arms.

A perfect setting for reflection.

The moments you want to remember stay with you, those you want to forget, easily slip into the lake and drift away. 

Your body and soul are rejuvenated.  

This recharging usually lasts twenty-four hours, giving you enough concentration power to make it through the day.

If you're lucky and live near a lake, you can do it again the next morning.

Me? I live too far from a calm body of water. So, I'm concentrating on making this a reality.

by Janie Emaus September 24, 2012 - 6:02 AM

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Comments (34)

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 8:13 pm

  by  Christine Ashworth

  Janie, there are places near Channel Islands harbor that are perfectly calm for kayaking. I assume there are the same near Marina Del Rey, and any other harbor along the coast. I HIGHLY recommend it! No waves, you just have to watch for boats and such. Maybe not as calming as a lake, but at least it gets you out into the water. Cheers!

  Reply Delete
• 2 replies, Last reply by essay on Mon Apr 1, 2013 at 4:23 pm
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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 8:54 pm

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Christine Ashworth: I might have to buy a kayak. You think?

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  Report Mon Apr 1, 2013 - 4:23 pm

  by  essay

  @Christine Ashworth: You must watch the Extreme KAYAKING film which journeys into the mind and soul of whitewater. It was really great. read more

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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 7:43 am

  by  Kathleen

  I love that moment when you become one with the movement and your brain goes into auto and your worries and cares slip away. I feel this same way when I run. Wonderful Janie!

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Wed Sep 26, 2012 at 11:02 am
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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 11:02 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Kathleen: I can see how running would feel like this, too.

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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 9:55 am

  by  Tina

  Sounds idyllic! I have never kayaked, but you may have just convinced me!

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Wed Sep 26, 2012 at 11:02 am
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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 11:02 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Tina: Whenever you're ready, let me know.

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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 5:27 am

  by  Syl

  Sounds wonderful to me.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Wed Sep 26, 2012 at 11:01 am
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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 11:01 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Syl: It's beyond wonderful.

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  Report Wed Sep 26, 2012 - 4:15 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  I would like to own one, too.

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• 
  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 11:31 pm

  by  Ann Dunnewold

  MIndfulness in action! Sounds wonderful. I've only dabbled in it a time or two, but now I want to own a kayak.

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 9:20 am

  by  Angela Parson Myers

  Sounds lovely. And since it requires a certain amount of physical activity, I might be able to handle all that relaxation. : - )

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 9:32 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 9:32 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Angela Parson Myers: It is lovely. You can work as hard or as easy as you want.

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 2:49 am

  by  Pam

  You make it sound fun, Janie! When I was a kid my Dad had a fishing boat (and we lived near a lake). We'd motor out to the middle of the lake, cut the engine, and just...well, fish - lol! But mostly we looked at the water and bobbed around. It was very peaceful (especially since i never caught anything). :)

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 3:13 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 3:13 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Pam: LOL! I've gone fishing, too. And I like those moments when you think you have a fish on the line. So often it turns out to be just a bunch of seaweed.

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 2:48 am

  by  still blonde after all these YEARS

  I have never kayaked alone, you make it sound so pure. Thanks for sharing you soulful moment.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 3:12 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 3:12 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @still blonde after all these YEARS: I've neve gone alone, either. But I've drifted apart from my friends (sometimes not by choice!) in order to absorb those wonderful moments.

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 2:58 am

  by  Marilyn Dennis

  Sounds good. Where do I sign up?

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 1:04 am

  by  Heidi

  You make it seem so zen-like, I could almost forget that I even get seasick riding a floatie in the pool. Sadly, I think I'll have to search for my serenity on dry ground.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 2:37 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 2:37 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Heidi: It is zen-like, not if you're feeling seasick!

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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 12:31 am

  by  lhewitt

  I need to go kayaking, now.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 2:26 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 2:26 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @lhewitt: I'll join you! It would be a good way to get to know each other.

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 9:53 pm

  by  Sheri de Grom

  Janie - Kayaking sounds like the best of serenity.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 12:23 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 12:23 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Sheri de Grom: Believe me, it is.

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 10:20 pm

  by  robena grant

  I have not been kayaking for years. I used to like it. And sailing. I need to find friends with boats. : ) There is something wonderful about being so close to the water, that calm of being one with it. Love that.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 12:23 am
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  Report Tue Sep 25, 2012 - 12:23 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  @robena grant: I couldn't live anywhere that wasn't close to some body of water, other than my bathtub.

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 9:26 pm

  by  Lori Lavender Luz

  You make me wanna kayak for the first time. I always thought it was kinda hard, but maybe even *I* could do it!

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Mon Sep 24, 2012 at 11:02 pm
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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 11:02 pm

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Lori Lavender Luz: Trust me. If I can do it, anyone can!

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 9:19 pm

  by  Robin Bielman

  I've never been kayaking, but recently went paddle boarding for the first time and loved it. I had the additional task of keeping my balance while paddling, but it definitely had a similar effect to how you felt. :)

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Mon Sep 24, 2012 at 10:58 pm
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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 10:58 pm

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Robin Bielman: OMG! I tried that, too. It was hard and I felt like I was a million miles from shore when I was only about three feet away from land.

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 9:06 pm

  by  Jennifer Wagner

  My husband loves kayaking. I've been hesitant to try it but after reading this I may take the plunge.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Mon Sep 24, 2012 at 10:57 pm
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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 10:57 pm

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Jennifer Wagner: Oh, you should. It's really a lot of fun.

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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 7:56 pm

  by  Linda O. Johnston

  Sounds wonderful, Janie. I'd particularly enjoy communing with Mother Nature. Maybe someday I'll try kayaking again. Thanks for the suggestion and delightful description!

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Janie Emaus on Mon Sep 24, 2012 at 8:54 pm
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  Report Mon Sep 24, 2012 - 8:54 pm

  by  Janie Emaus

  @Linda O. Johnston: It's absolutely lovely.

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