It is funny, not funny , haha, but funny interesting… I got started on the whole ASA trip when I went to Japan. I spoke with a guy form Cal named Bill, he suggested it would a good way for me to not only pick up some sailing skilled need for the trip to Japan but it was something I could do in Japan once I got certified. I had no idea at the time how beneficial the whole thing would be. Somewhat over a year later I am a certified instructor and working for the city of Oakland, on my way to attend the first national conference of the organization, with the main speaker and acquaintance from Japan who is a Zen master. Life is interesting…
Friday the 9th, I am making ready to fly to LA, Marina Del Ray in fact. One of my old hang outs, although at the time, not for boating. But I digress. Those 3 or 4 of you who read my post know I speak about having the “Zen Sense” it was going off on Friday. At usual I do not know what it will be, but there is always something. I hate flying, and I Really hate getting those feelings before I fly. brrrrr.
The plan is fly to LA, spend the night at my brother’s , then go to the conference on Sat, and fly back Sat, night so I can attend Kyudo on Sunday. I make it to the airport without any problem and board the plane. I ‘m feeling something about the trip… As usual I play it off as flying nerves and vision the plan. The part about my brother is not clear in my mind…
The plane is a little delayed while they clean it, then we are off. After about 10-15 when the stewardesses are making plans to serve snack. they are told to have a seat. Then lights come up more than regular. I can feel the tension in the cabin rise, heat waves off a tin roof. I’m listening to the engines, the sound ok, but I’m feeling uneasy. I focus on being centered. The captain says some things about turbulence and changing flight plans a bit. I listen to the engine…
This continues for a while, then the engines slow as if we are coming to a stop, or at least slowing down quite a bit. Some one says, are we slowing down, the tension is high. Still no stewardesses. The voice on the speaker says, Unless it is an emergency please do not call the stewardesses. One guy does, a woman comes out and fusses at him, because it is not an emergency. She says I have to stay seated for my safety. Now having flown in rougher air than this with the stewardesses moving around, I thought this was strange. So I am thinking, ok this is what I was feeling. It’s time…I was expecting the plane to go down, at any time. I centered myself…
After awhile nothing changed, then the captain says, we will be landing in La shortly, the air is clear, temp. blah blah blah… I feel people relax, I stay center, and wait for whatever is next. Shortly later, we land without incident and I am out into the crazy world of LAX. OMG!! it has been years since I flew into LAX it is crazy! I think to myself , I’m so glad next week I fly into long beach!
Finally I get my rental car and drive over to my brother’s place a short drive away. I arrive there, the place is dark, I knock downstairs and wait… I knock again …. and again… I go upstairs to the other door and knock, and knock and knock. Hmmm, nice brother… Ah so, this is the downer! Better than a plane crash, but what a lame brother!
Ok, I make a plan, I can get a motel room, or I can sleep in the car. It is already almost 12:oo am. I drive for a while and think, Slowly I am getting sleepy, I see no motels. I decide on the sleeping in the car. I did bring my sleeping bag, So I find a quite small street in a fairly nice area and climb into my sleeping bag for the night. I figure I’ll crash until dawn then head to the beach and over to the Yacht club for the event, I can freshen up there.
The next day or better said later that day, I awake with the first light. I drive over to the beach and figure to take a little walk to work out the cramps from the car.
The beach was quiet but for a few, dog walkers and joggers. It was peaceful for and early morning in LA.
I walk in the beach …
and enjoy the morning, checking out the boats at the mooring and feeling the morning breath of a new day.
After a wile I head over to the Yacht club for the conference.
I am there a couple of hours early, so I walk around and check out the boats in the marina and the area. I spot a old islander 30 while walking and give it the once over from a distance. From there I go back to the car to meditate for a while as the marina wakes up.
Soon the YC doors open and I go in to see about the restroom and whatever else I need to do, or can do, like hang out before the start. The ladies who greet me are nice. Once asks my name and say there is a name tag for me. I say no rush, I know I am early I just came in and can hang out until the start of thing. They say ok, and then ask me to help moving some things. I do that for a bit after some joking with them.
My next stop I locate a quiet spot by the fireplace and do some more meditation while I wait…
end part 1
