It Keeps on Shining

Another picture-perfect sunrise in Whistler. I think the Canadian Olympic Team wishes it were having the same luck. It seems as though Canada gets 5th place a lot. I wonder if that's because we are missing that final "all or nothing" attitude or perhaps we are just content to let someone else win. I can't figure it out. I know that I certainly like to win however there are times where I also love to watch someone else as they reach their ultimate dream as well.

Maybe life isn't always about winning. Perhaps it's about experiencing what you're meant to experience, which might include losing. It might even include falling down, stumbling or outright failure (gasp!). I personally know that there are golden lessons contained in these challenges. In fact, I would argue that these are your most important lessons. In order to glean the learnings though you must be willing to sit in the centre of the storm with your heart wide open. This is the real challenge.

More Whistler Quiet Beauty

Another brilliant sunrise up here in the mountains. When you step outside you can smell the smoke from the early morning fires that have started up. You can imagine all the pots of coffee that are brewing or perhaps already finished. It's a time of day where all things seem slower to me. That is probably in direct contrast to the reality in many houses where kids are racing around to get ready for school. Perhaps dogs need to be walked and lunches need to be made. Paradoxically, it is probably the time of the most chaos in a day.

There is power in paradoxes because they reveal stark insights if you are willing to see them. The paradox reveals one reality on the outside and another more provocative and contrasting insight on the inside. All is not how it seems. In fact, it is usually the opposite. That's the power. The answers that you seek are generally right in front of you and usually contained within a paradox in your situation. But you have to be aware of this, looking for it and not resistant to seeing the obvious in the obscure.

Another Whistler Morning

My God the sunrises are beautiful here. It seems to be such a paradoxical contrast to any of life's challenges. The sun doesn't care if you are having challenges in your life, it still rises and sets. In fact, some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets that I have ever seen have been during times of incredible challenge. It's almost bittersweet.

Maybe that's the point. Perhaps the beautiful sunrise is meant to contrast the challenges in life so as to act as beacon of faith; a gentle reminder that there is always beauty even in the midst of chaos. One just needs to focus on it, look for it and see it despite how challenging that may actually be. There is always beauty to see.

Whistler Beauty

How do you describe a sunrise in the Whistler mountains without using the word "beautiful" a million times? Impossible. It is so stunning here. The sun is in full glory. I can't wait to get out on the mountain and soak up some of that sun and do some skiing. For some reason, the Whistler sun infuses me with feel-good vibes. Perhaps it that plus the spirit of the Olympics that is everywhere in this small little town.

It's going to be a great day!

Contrasts

It was a stunning morning in Vancouver today. And yet, it was freezing out. I guess it is a trade off. In order to see the beautiful clear blue sky during the sunrise you have to give up the warmth that the cloud cover usually provides. It is an interesting choice. Blue sky and cold or gray sky and warmth?? I choose blue sky and cold and that's what I got this morning.

As with all things, even the Olympics seems to have picked up a rhythm now so there is more flow. Or perhaps I am over my jet lag and loosened up a bit so I have more flow and now that is projected out :) Either way, there is flow. It's amazing how much flow we can spot when we are looking for it. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Gray and Wet

Classic Vancouver sunrise today - blanketed in a thick layer of low cloud. There was no rising of any sun just a general increase in daylight. I had a beautiful walk along the seashore today during this time. It always amazes me how beautiful Vancouver can be even in the darkest fog and rain. I was focusing on what was "right" in my life.

After a few minutes I started to notice other things in my periphery that were also "right" and beautiful. The colour of the grass this time of year is pure emerald green. The purple and yellow crocuses are in full bloom. And then, the clouds began to break and the blue sky began to appear and I could see the rays of the sun. It was there all along, right in front of me.

Golden Morning

Last night I witnessed history-in-the-making as Canada finally won a gold medal on home soil while hosting the Olympics. It was an awesome and emotion-filled moment. You could feel the energy in all the people around watching and experiencing the same elation.

This morning I was lucky enough to spend my morning sunrise hike on Bowen Island, BC. This place used to be my home and I swear that a part of my soul still resides here. As I walked along the edge of the ocean I was treated to a familiar sight of the north shore mountains as the morning sun began to light up the sky. There was a high cloud which is common this time of year and it acted as a veil to the full strength of the sun. However, the air was crisp and the view spectacular. It didn't really matter what the sun did. I was just happy to be here. I think that's a good way to start my day!