Philosophy

I love research, I love science and I love technology. I am an engineer by training and computer programmer by trade (and I also happen to be a Christian).

I surf the web a lot, I read lots of blogs, I am involved in various mailing lists, and subscribe to a number of forums. A trend I am seeing a lot these days is people throwing around research in an attempt to prove their point, as if it is the gospel truth. Of course everyone can dredge up some form of research (no matter how dubious it may be) to prove their position. Often times these exchanges wind up nowhere constructive, with the people who are most confident in their research arsenal shutting down the people who aren't. These things rarely end pretty, and rarely lead anywhere constructive. I'm fairly certain that "show me the research" will be the cliche of this Internet generation.

We have become a society of religious zealots, who instead of arguing the finer points of theology, throw around journal abstracts like Bible verses.

But this post isn't about research, or faith.

Science is reductionistic, it needs to be. Life is complicated and interconnected in ways we will never understand. Maybe it is the engineer in me, but what I want to see is application. And not just any sort of application, but wholistic life application. It is not until you see a particular action and/or activity in the context of someone's life - their whole life - that you begin to realize that reductionist thinking only gets you so far.

But this post isn't about science, or engineering.

If I have learned one thing by being a parent it's this - if I want to teach my kids anything, I have to model it myself. If I can't do it, then I certainly can't expect my kids to do it either.

If we really want to affect positive change in this world, we need to do it by example.

Sure, we need the research, the science, and the engieering to learn more about the world around us. The exact same thing can be said for our faith in God. In either case we won't get very far telling each other what to do, no matter how many research abstracts or Bible verses we have to back it up.

What we need to do is live our lives according to our convictions, and use those convictions to inspire.

If we really want to affect positive change in our own life, we should be looking for inspiration in the lives of others. Seeking out specific instruction (while helpful) is fleeting and will only get us so far. Seeking out real-life application that excites us (while sometimes more difficult) will stick with us for the long haul.

This is a post about living life to the fullest.

We all have beliefs, convictions, opinions, goals, and dreams. Most of us want to see the world changed for the better. The best way for us to achieve all of those things is to live an inspired life that inspires others.

With that being said... who inspires you, and why?

Our family is less than 2 months away from Damien's last day at work. The weeks and days sometimes seem beyond full. Both of us adults have our regular work commitments. Damien's job as a computer programmer/systems analyst at the college. And my job of home management, cooking, home education and child raising.

On top of this already full time work we are downsizing our belongings, renovating the house, and getting ready to earn an income from home once we move. 

It's a lot and it's about as much as I can possibly take. The last time I remember going through such an intense season of life with a big deadline looming was twelve years ago when I was finishing my degree, student teaching and in the third trimester of pregnancy with Celine. That too was almost as much as I could take. But you know what? I survived. I'll survive this too. (At least this is what I keep telling myself).

It's necessary when you go through an extended period of intense focus and activity to let a few things slide. Here's just a few compromises we've made to stay sane and healthy during this difficult period.

Something we are not willing to compromise though are our weekend hikes - our commitment to spend one day a week together outdoors.

Except for extreme circumstances or terribly inclement weather that threatens our safety and poses real discomfort we have stayed true to being outdoors one day a week together. Even through these difficult winter months of moving preparation. 

• Has this been easy? Heck No! 
• Do I question this steadfast decision each weekend as we scramble to get ourselves out the door? Almost always.
• Looking back on each weekend do I regret one minute we've spent hiking together when we could have been painting, packing, writing, or cooking? Not a chance. 

It occured to me a couple weeks ago while on the trail that our weekly hikes are like the reset button on our life. We often hit the trailhead a little wound up from the week's hectic pace, sometimes burdened with stress and worry.

But there is something about the physical exertion, the beauty of nature, and the conversations we have on the trail that takes us back to center. When the balancing act of home life, employment and moving preparation feels near the edge of chaos our time in nature puts everything in its proper place and gives perspective.

Our regular weekend hikes pull us back from the edge and set us firmly on the path of "stay focused, keep dreaming, this too shall pass, remember to breathe, trust, and enjoy the journey".

For me, it's like hitting the reset button on life. 

Can you relate? What does your family do to hit the reset button and help you stay on course, especially during a difficult season of life?

Photos from yesterday's (spring is coming!) hike at Camden Hills State Park in Maine.

You know what really burns my bottom? The fact that holidays - a time that is supposed to be about being together, slowing down, feasting, remembering and reflecting on our collective and family histories - has become another excuse for shopping.

Hirtles beach hike Boxing Day 2008

And I'm not just talking about the pre-event preparation that leads up to Thanksgiving and Christmas (or whatever winter holiday you celebrate). I'm talking about the post-event shopping madness of Black Friday in the United States and Boxing Day in Canada. I've experienced small doses of Boxing Day shopping years ago but have never ventured near a shopping mall on Black Friday. In this day and age getting to the store at 6am isn't good enough. You can actually arrive at midnight to many malls (don't people value their sleep?) or you can stand in line all night and risk death to get half price on a made in China electronic gadget. And people question our sanity hiking during hunting season!? 

Hiking Black Friday 2007

I have nothing against shopping. Unless you grow all your own food and produce all your own goods, it's necessary. (Full disclosure Damien did order a pair of running tights on-line on Black Friday). 

Heck, shopping can even be fun (or so I've heard). But I find the focus on consumerism during the holidays to be quite disturbing, if not disgusting. And I want no part of it. This is a time that should be centered on family traditions and spiritual practices. Even if you don't belong to a particular faith being grateful for your blessings and mindful of the changing seasons can connect you spiritually to other people and nature. 

view from Blomidom Christmas week 2008

We'd rather be outdoors than go shopping. And so that is what we do.

When I was growing up our Boxing Day tradition was to have a huge skating party at my grandparent's farm on the slough (pronounced slew, a little pond). My keenest memory of this time was just how pickin' cold it was and the sweet satisfaction of returning indoors after freezing my toes. Then more feasting and playing board games with all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. 

Trust me, my entire collective memory of childhood and adult shopping experiences added together multiplied by a one thousand do not even come close to how fondly I recall those holidays in my heart. 

Our family doesn't skate, nor do we live close to my aunts and uncles but we are making new memories with our children. Due to our relative proximity (driving distance) we spend most holidays with my parents. And I am so thankful that they are active and enthusiastic about going hiking with us at the holidays.

We are making new memories with our children. I don't think the actual activity matters so much. Sledding, skiing, hiking, surfing, snowboarding, rock climbing, skating. Anything people powered, active and outdoors is a great activity for the holidays.

Boxing Day, Hirtles Beach 2008

I know I'm a bit of an idealist but wouldn't it be great if the holidays were remembered not for the shopping deals but the ridges we walked, the hills we sledded and the cold wind we felt on our face (and the comfort of coming home after these activities)?

Artwork: Laurent Tougas

Does your family have an activity you particularly enjoy during the holidays?