Quiet Gifting on Still Mornings... Rolly A. Chabot

I do think by George we are having spring. It has arrived or at least that is the hope we are having. So we gather today and sorry to tell you, we have no fire. The ashes have all been swept up and the hearth is awaiting the next fire. One thing we do have is each other.

Lets light a few scented candles and pretend shall we. Gather in close and cuddle up to the sound of the soft piano music in the background, the smell of freshly made popcorn, as always the great company of many who come is a blessing.

This has been an interesting summer meeting many new people with the same passions. For those who have been following I purchased a small live aboard sail boat last fall. After spending many hours in online courses I qualified with an Advanced Skipper rating. It was a reminder the mind should never be allowed to get lazy.

I have had it out several times this year and I must admit it has been a blast stretching what I wondered if I was capable of. Over the years I have had several boats, most powered by motors. The constant noise, fumes and fuel consumption have never sat well with me. One of the beauties of sailing is the quiet you experience. It is rather amazing once you understand the concept of sailing at the speeds you can generate. There is something very freeing about knowing you are running under a renewable resource such as wind.

Quigley of course has become a first mate. She sits up with her ears flapping watching the world pass. She is loving the new adventure as much as her dad...

On Sunday afternoon I arrived at a fairly popular lake. The day use areas were filled with young families, several small fishing boats were slowly moving up and down the lake. Many families were fishing from shore. The lake was calm and it was serene knowing people were enjoying nature and relaxing.

I had just started to raise the mast and stow everything for two days of sailing when loud music could be heard coming towards the area. Three trucks, there ski boats and several people in their mid 20's arrived. The music and the language was terrible, the display of total disregard or respect was upsetting. Several people spoke to them, they simply carried on. Sadly families started to leave as it was apparent this group had no intention of changing.

Four the next several hours they ran their boats at full speed up and down the lake, the music got louder as did the language. It is sad to think we have entered into a society that has little or no regard for others, even after being asked to be more considerate. The noise kept up until well after dark and once they left there was a hush again over the lake valley.

Over the years I have seen a steady decline in respect for others. I have watched in wonder at how we have become this "I" Society. Really when you think about "I" has changed who we are, take into consideration we have "I" this and "I" that, do we not. My question is do we really need to make ourselves so noticeable to gather attention that we must irritate others.

Sadly the day was ruined for many people, especially younger families. How do we as adults approach a group like this, speaking to them. In todays world we have no idea what the consequences may be for stepping forward. Have we been so overcome with fear we dare not?

I think the answer is yes we have in many ways. It was obvious these people had the resources to be able to use the best of the best. It is not likely they could afford new trucks and boats such as these so it all must belong to the parents. Who taught them to act like this, is the problem being spoiled, entitled and the thinking being they are above reproach.

Someone recently pointed out that society has become so used to having noise about them they need more and more to keep stimulated. Is what I was witness to the new norm? Many studies have shown it is acceptable to put children to bed with white noise machines. Do we in our homes have to have a TV or stereo playing in each room? Do we really need to playing music in cars that the thumping sound can be heard 6 blocks away? What does all that noise do to the inner spirit. I think my uneducated guess would be it disturbs something deep inside.

Maybe I am getting old in my way of thinking but what ever became of being stimulated by silence. Sitting by a fire and listening as it crackle, the sound of a far off loon calling into the night. I often sit listening and counting the sounds I hear in the small town where I live. They are few really and I am so thankful for it. Each time I go out camping or sailing it seems I must go further away to find peace.

Sadly I think many are like me and as we move on into the future I think it will only get worse. Some say you just have to shut the outside sounds off to find inner peace. I laugh at that advice as what I just experienced not many could tune out... How about you, do you experience the fallout of what others create...

© Rolly A. Chabot