Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
didn't want to be untethered by adventure. I wanted both! I pulled over on the side of the
highway, in the middle of the Redwoods. And there, right beside me, was a monastery. I
guess God was feeling bold today. Now, you could say it was a sign, but I'm pretty sure
I'm not supposed to be a monk. Pretty sure. Okay, yes, thought about it: I'm sure.
The monastery was for the Brotherhood of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals
and lost travelers along Highway One. Even though it was early, I left Kindness One on the
side of the road and walked onto their property. Down at the edge was a bubbling brook. I
looked around but didn't see anyone. I figured if ever there was a day to get arrested sneak-
ing into a monastery, this was it.
I sat down by the water and tried to breathe. I didn't see the monk at first. I'm still not
sure if he was there when I sat down or appeared after I did, but not five feet from me, there
he was, standing at the edge of the water.
“I'm so sorry,” I began. “I didn't know if this was open or—”
“It's always open, my son,” the monk replied, echoing the man in the Indian ashram. He
wasn't much older than I was, but with his heavy beard, he looked like he could have been
my father.
“I just needed to think,” I told the monk.
The monk sat down on a log not far from the water. “This is a good place for that. What's
on your mind?”
I don't suggest you open that can of worms . . .
But he had, and as I told him about my journey, about heading home, I could see his
eyes grow brighter, I could see that my story was inspiring
him
.
“The world is filled with exciting places. As I am sure you have seen.”
“I've seen a lot of them,” I agreed.
“But the place we are often most needed isn't across the world. We're needed right
here.”
“Yeah, I'm beginning to realize that.”
Finally, he said, “You know, we don't always have to leave home to find adventure.”
“Don't we?” I asked.
“It just depends on what you do with your time at home,” he stood up, and I began to
worry that I was boring him. “My friend, this world is filled with possibility. Don't be lim-
ited by your old ideas of it. Let yourself live the lessons you learned. Teach them to others,
and you'll find that's probably more adventurous than anything you've ever done.”
