One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks. -Jack Penn
Moku-wai, The World's Most Joyful Massage Therapist (usually available at Kona Yoga) returned to the Big Island after two weeks paragliding in Mexico. I can't wait to hear the stories of all of his adventures because he has a way of turning simple tales into outright, guffawing marathons! Krista and I once folded up in laughter as Moku described a terrified mouse that his cat had brought into his bathroom. We loved his interpretation of a cornered and mortified mouse so much that we kept asking him to do it over and over again. We are his audience.
But the audience must wait. On his last day in Mexico, Moku broke his ankle and he's having surgery today in Waimea. I have gone through his appointment book and cancelled all of his massages for this week, so that only a bit of pain and discomfort and a quick recovery are waiting for him. He's got all of the acupuncture and massage he needs, right here in his audience.
I anticipate that he will also have tales to amuse us when he relays his surgery and hospital stay, but what I really look forward to is the way that he will use this 'stumbling block' as a stepping stone. Some people wait for the opportunity to blame a pratfall for their misery. Others, like Moku, grab the chance like a relay baton and head for the finish.
Of course, he won't be sprinting or even walking very fast for a while but he'll be thinking. When forward motion is denied, we become aware of all of the other directions available to us. Sometimes we choose another way, sometimes we become even more determined to go forward and sometimes, we sit down in front of the obstacle to simply appreciate where we are.
But the audience must wait. On his last day in Mexico, Moku broke his ankle and he's having surgery today in Waimea. I have gone through his appointment book and cancelled all of his massages for this week, so that only a bit of pain and discomfort and a quick recovery are waiting for him. He's got all of the acupuncture and massage he needs, right here in his audience.
I anticipate that he will also have tales to amuse us when he relays his surgery and hospital stay, but what I really look forward to is the way that he will use this 'stumbling block' as a stepping stone. Some people wait for the opportunity to blame a pratfall for their misery. Others, like Moku, grab the chance like a relay baton and head for the finish.
Of course, he won't be sprinting or even walking very fast for a while but he'll be thinking. When forward motion is denied, we become aware of all of the other directions available to us. Sometimes we choose another way, sometimes we become even more determined to go forward and sometimes, we sit down in front of the obstacle to simply appreciate where we are.
Stepping Stones by Rob Gonsalves.
Update: December 7, 2009. Moku-wai fully recovered from his injuries and then decided to get into the best shape of his life. He has lost over 50 pounds, continues to paraglide, and he may just be funnier than ever!
This post has been submitted to Prevention Not Prescriptions.
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