A few weeks ago, I had the sweet opportunity to go fishing with my Dad, brother, and two nephews. They are all experienced fly fishermen, and I am not. In other words, not a comfort zone for me. Getting awkward and uncomfortable – was awkward and uncomfortable!
As in all awkward and uncomfortable adventures, I learned a lot of lessons about life, fishing, relationships, and the river.
Here are some of my musings:
Flow with the Current and Not Against It
It’s easier. Energy is conserved and requires less doing. Embrace the being. Get into the flow.
We are Part of a Greater Ecosystem
Along our adventure, we saw bald eagles, hawks and osprey, four different types of trout, beaver dens, high cliffs, clear wide waters, bugs (the flying kind), camp sites, blue skies and rain clouds, cottonwoods, chicory and broad grass, and other humans co-existing in a delicate balance. How cool is that?!?
Slow Down and Pause
When casting with a fly rod, there is a moment where everything pauses. With the tip of the rod extended toward the sky, the fisherwoman waits for the line to fully extend behind her. Then, at the single moment of tension, extends the line forward to land the fly (bait) in its chosen spot. That moment of pause is sweet, silent, and critical for a perfect cast. Pause, breathe, and extend to find your spot, dream, or purpose.
Patience, Practice, and Resilience Pays Off
As a novice, there can be a lot of casting and few bites on the line. Even when one gets a bite, it’s not at all certain one can reel the fish in. If we are patient, continue to practice the cast, and resilient in our endeavor, it ultimately pays off – like in life. AND when it gets really frustrating . . .
Mend the Line
Mending is a form of creating the ideal connection with the fish. Once the fly lands in the water, the line is mended so it lays upstream, ensuring a natural flow of the fly ensuring connection. It’s never too late to mend, whether it’s a fishing line, or a dear, personal relationship. Can’t we all use a little mending for greater connection?
French is a Foreign Language
I spoke it frequently after losing numerous flies and fish. Swearing allowed me to release the frustration and cast again. I give you permission to speak French frequently (except perhaps if there are little ears around).
Expand your Aperture for a Bigger View
On the river, it’s easy to only watch the fly at the end of the line. In doing so, I missed the much bigger picture. Expanding my aperture and looking beyond the lure into clear water, I could see fish rising to eat, taking my fly. THAT is the moment when one not only hooks the fish, but it’s also the moment where human meets the wild. Once hooked, the fish runs and fights. If the hook is well lodged, you get to take a picture of your accomplishment. THEN . . .
Catch and Release
Don’t hold on too long. Snap the photo, then return the beautiful creature to the wild river. So too in life – we can hold onto the wild, the fight, the moment so long that we live in the past. Release the energy to cast again.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Whether it’s fly fishing for the first time, hanging out with folks you’ve never met, or traveling to a new place, get out of your comfort zone and into an experience. Growth happens in the most unexpected, uncomfortable and awkward places, even on a river. With your Dad, who, by the way, is a master. (Thanks Dad!)
Go Fishing with Your Dad (if he’s still with you)
The time spent on the river was priceless. My parents have fished this river for more than 30 years and have built a dear community of fellow outdoorsmen. Fishing with my Dad, watching his stillness, flow, and mastery is a treasured memory. We didn’t talk a lot. We simply floated, experienced the water, the beauty, and the wilderness together. He cheered when I caught one. I stood in awe as he pulled in dozens. Do it now; go fishing with your Dad.
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