Schooled By The Water

Most of my learning came courtesy of the streets, but I gather humans go to an actual thing called schools. I’ve heard the term before...I’m pretty sure some of the island fish go to those too. As I learn more about schools, I’m realizing there are lots of types of schools. Many of them require you to sit in buildings for long periods of time. Luckily, Elijah and Penelope are homeschooled, which means they have a lot more flexibility over how they spend their time.

Being highly motivated and thoughtful kids, they often build mastery over their “classroom” work relatively quickly, which leaves them with extra time on their paws for things like art, music, athletics, baking, and exploration. It also leaves extra time for sailing! Talk about one heck of a recess. Their afternoon plans to ride the waves sounded enticing, so I convinced them to take me with!!

After getting the sailboats rigged and the kayaks and paddleboard ready, it was time to hit the water. I started out in Mom and Dad’s kayak. I was a bit unsure at first. The boat didn’t feel very stable, and these long sticks (I think they call them paddles) kept flying past my head. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to chase them or just stay out of the way. Fortunately, Elijah and Penelope have been trying new things on the water all year. That inspired me, and I was able to find my brave too.

Once I realized the “ground” beneath me was supposed to move (because...water), I relaxed a little. The waves weren’t so bad. Actually, they were kind of soothing. Car rides are one of my all-time favorite things. Once I stopped trying to control the water and just went with it, the boat felt similar... but better. More sun, more breeze, and the smells? Exquisite!

After floating around with human Mom and Dad, it was time to set sail with Elijah. His boat didn’t have sticks. Instead, there was a big white triangle(ish) thing sticking up from the boat. He called it a sail and reminded me to duck when it started swinging.

After hanging out with Elijah for a bit, I sailed with Penelope. She was a little stressed at first that I might jump out of the boat and try to eat a sea turtle. To ease her mind, I demonstrated that I could, in fact, jump out of the boat and not eat the turtle nearby.

Having enjoyed my time so thoroughly in every boat I was in, it made the most sense to me to simply hop in and out whenever I pleased. That way, I could swim from boat to boat. My family didn’t love this strategy, but the water had just the right amount of movement and freedom for a pup like me.

Before we called it a day, I also explored a kayak with Elijah and a paddleboard with Penelope. Elijah had a need for speed on his little yellow kayak. His paddle seemed to move much faster than Mom and Dad’s, as did the boat. Penelope taught me yoga on her paddleboard. She was really good at downward facing dog, but for the life of me, I just couldn’t figure out downward facing human.

As I reflect on the day, I’m thinking about what a fantastic teacher the ocean is. Sometimes it seems dangerous, there’s a reason human dad calls it a cruel mistress. But the ocean is also steady, patient, and wise. It’s worthy of our respect. It reminds us that we can’t control everything (and maybe that it’s best to stop trying). It reminds us to be present with what is and stop clinging to things we aren’t meant to hold. When we show up with awe, awareness, bravery, and curiosity, the ocean has so many lessons to share.  At least, I know I learned a lot. Plus, I didn’t eat a single turtle. I was a VERY good boy. But aren’t I always?!?