Above the Clouds

I traveled home to WA on the solstice yesterday. As the plane started its approach for landing, the man in the window seat nudged me, pointing out his window, and asked “Isn’t that Mt. Rainier?” I craned my neck to see and was treated to a spectacular sunrise view of Mt. Rainier, for indeed, it was.

Its base and surrounding foothills were shrouded in a thick blanket of grey clouds. The bulk of the mountain rose into the sky, its white snow reflecting the dazzling array of pinks, oranges, and reds of the fading sunrise. A few minutes later, the Olympic Mountain range came into view on the opposite side of the plane, their white jagged peaks set in contrast with the light blue of early morning. For a brief moment, we glimpsed the sun.?

Then, we descended into fog so thick that I felt a jolt of surprise as the wheels hit the tarmac. It was drizzling, cold, and grey on the ground. Even though this was exactly what I had expected and even looked forward to, I immediately felt regret for not photographing the scene I had just witnessed above the clouds. Why???

My general habit is to film a 1 minute video when I experience awe. I felt like I missed an opportunity to share the moment with my community through Revel Peak Coaching, and wanted, so badly, to remember that moment. I then read a Psychology Today blog with helpful tools about turning regret into growth and connected with one of the tools titled, “Understand your core values and what regret means to you. (1)” I value infusing nature into my coaching practice and felt silly for not thinking about my business as I stared out the window in awe. Despite the missed opportunity, there is something to be said for simply living in the moment, which I also value greatly.

So,?I hope you take a snapshot or video here and there - I’d love to see them! However, do not feel bad for being so present in a moment that you forget about technology, your business strategy, or what others might think of the view. Nothing is guaranteed except the moment you’re experiencing right now. Make the most of it.?

(2)https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/being-your-best-self/202105/8-ways-regret-can-lead-personal-growth