Martie's Musing: The Bigger Picture

Martie Mitchell, Sales Manager
 at Rockton Software

Recently, I took a mini-vacation to Central Idaho to do some salmon fishing during the spring Chinook run.

The plan was to ride 300 miles with my husband, where he would continue on to Boise for some extended education, and I would have a calm, relaxing weekend on the river.

Upon arrival, much to my chagrin, I discovered the recent 80+ degree days had blown out the river; this means flooded from rain and snow-melt, muddy, and fast. Freely translated . . . no fishing excursions—bummer. Additionally, it was still raining, and my husband couldn't stay. So much for the best laid plans of mice and men, or so it goes. This looked like it was going to end up being a VERY long, dull weekend.

Friday morning, I took a leisurely breakfast, watched a little television, and did some reading. Then, I decided rain or no rain—I will do some exploring of the area. Of course, I packed my fly rod, got advice on which parts of what rivers were open to what kind of fishing (just in case). I was determined not to let bad weather rain on my parade.

Needless to say, there were places on the river that beckoned for a dry fly, and I accommodated them. I didn't catch any fish, but I rediscovered the joy in being still in your mind, and the calm that ensues from the simple, repetitive motion of cast, retrieve. Cast . . . Retrieve.

In that complete focus, there comes a stillness then peace and calm. I started to notice things I’m usually too busy to see on any given day. How small I am in the universe and how totally insignificant in the bigger scheme of things, especially when compared to the life of a river, mountain, or tree; I am just a fragile, flash in the pan. Life went on before I came, and it will continue long after I am gone. There is the finite possibility of leaving a legacy and how would it define me? This was very humbling, but on the other hand, very freeing—to feel there is a bigger plan, and I am not the master of my own universe. It is ok that I do not have the reins because it is not all going to crumble without me.

I was blessed to be able to repeat this process on Saturday by taking a long hike; the trail was physically challenging, but in this process, my mind was allowed to clear, and I could engulf myself in the sway of the wild grass and the immensity of the surrounding cliffs that were thrown up from old volcanoes coming before my time. This snapshot was my bigger picture.

If you can, I recommend to you to take a few days to get away, alone, and find your way to your bigger picture.

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