If You Could...

Hey. Was wondering...


If you could choose any super ability, but only one, which one would you choose and why?


I heard that a poll was taken, I can't remember the stats (maybe Foo can help with that one), but the majority chose the ability to read minds.


That actually made me pause a moment and wonder why would anybody want to know what is floating around in other peoples' minds?? If you are an astute listener, you can get a clue all by yourself just by watching body language in relation to the verbal language. Actions are also a strong indicator into what is in someone's mind. And quite frankly, what is interesting about what other people keep to themselves? It's like looking in their closets - a bunch of disorganized old stuff. In fact, I'm not sure I'm even interested in what is in my own mind.


If I could choose one super ability, I think it would be the ability to fly. Which is sort of ironic since I am afraid of heights. Preferably fast flying, though, super speedy flying...


If I could fly I could:

• 
  see a sunrise or sunset wherever, whenever I wanted
• have coffee breaks with Foo every day
• explore the tops of trees and mountains, especially in the rainforests
• wake Gabe up for work - "surprise!"
• rescue people or animals, or bring medicine to remote areas
• be interviewed by Diane Sawyer or David Letterman
• spy on Cuba
• go hiking with X because she misses her best friend. and she wouldn't even have to pull me away from trail snacks...
• paint & draw with V
• bring Sadie a treat for her second birthday

I wouldn't need a job, because I would make friends all over the world, and stay with them. Or I could sleep on a beach, anywhere. I'd pop in around meal times. Or I could earn a little extra $ by making special deliveries. It all sounds fun to me...

This little excercise showed me a little about myself. The quality I so love about trees is their steadfastness. They root and grow strong and tall, standing and watching, only moving to play with the wind. I imagine them giggling as little squirrel feet tickle their branches, and filling with joy and pride as the bluebird couple chooses to build their home nestled in it's arms, and watches as the eggs successfully hatch and fledglings learn to fly away. I love the way some dress so festively each autumn that I can imagine they are putting on their Mardi Gras clothes for a last fling before Lent. Do they rest during the long winters in anticipating the intense competition for to be the first decked out in their summer attire? Trees own the wisdom that comes with unswerving observation of their neighborhood, from being an integral part of the neighborhood's aliveness. Trees don't judge. They hold their little piece of the earth as long as they can, and in return give back fruit and nuts, shade and shelter.

I so admire trees. Because I will never, can never, imagine me being in one place for a hundred years. Two hundred years. There is a vulnerability to having such deep roots that makes me severely uncomfortable. I can only be awed by that ability. But it seems so fragile to me, simply staying put while the elements shape you.

I'd prefer to fly.

And you? What would you choose if you could choose one super ability? Why?

One more thing. It seems wrong to wrap up this post without acknowledging Valentine's Day. February 14 is the day St. Valentine was murdered. Just saying.

Peace