(un)Expected Weather
On the early Monday of the past week, I arrived at the airport to check in for a one-week retreat in Costa Rica with five other wonderful entrepreneurs. However, the harmony of anticipation was quickly disrupted when my fellow traveler discovered that his passport was missing – an unforeseen omen of the challenges awaiting me in the days ahead. Little did I know, these hurdles would test my resilience in ways I hadn't anticipated.
As I boarded the plane without my companion, fully aware of the forecasted icy stress that awaited my family, the studio, and the entire city of Portland, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement about the week ahead. Traveling alone, a rare blessing for a busy mom, I knew my colleague would find a way to get on the next flight, and I was on my way to sunny weather and contemplation. What else could go wrong?
However, a few hours later as we descended in Houston, the view from the window revealed an unexpected sight of ice and sleet. Inside the airport was no better – a chaotic scene resembling a movie set, with hundreds of travelers stranded due to canceled flights. Serendipitously, I encountered a captain who assured me that the weather was improving, but the backlog of disruptions could lead to a messy situation. With bated breath, I waited, watching my second and final leg to San Jose, Costa Rica, on the gate bulletin board.
The change announcements began: 30 minutes delayed, 30 more minutes delayed, change of gate, 30 more minutes delayed, change of gate again, 15 minutes delayed. Hope surfaced as passengers deplaned, and cleaners prepared for the next departure. However, the dreaded words finally appeared on the board – my flight had been canceled.
My jaw dropped, but sitting next to my newfound captain friend, who swiftly rebooked on his app, I knew I had to turn to technology for a solution. While alternative flights were available, emergency rebookings had inflated prices to two or three thousand dollars, with a departures delayed by two days. Taking a deep breath, I found a more affordable option through San Salvador, bringing me closer to my destination and connecting me to San Jose the following morning. I seized it.
Rushing to the gate for San Salvador, I faced a language barrier, but two remarkable individuals reassured me of their assistance upon arrival. We chatted and giggled about the days unexpected issues, business ownership, and worldly challenges. While waiting for the delayed flight to eventually begin boarding, I tried to touch base with home. School is canceled, and my husband is trying to find care so he can work. PBOT has recommended closing due to travel safely, and Amber and I chat to confirm the closure of the studio the next day. In just a few short minutes, a lot can happen and I try to support my people from afar.
As the evening progressed, I finally arrived in San Salvador at 1:30 am. It is late, I’m tired in a country I have no experience with, and I have no idea where I’m going to go for the night. A gate agent advised against leaving to avoid potential immigration delays. Opting to spend the night in the cold airport, I slept on tile floors and wrapped myself around metal armrests in random corners. Although tired, my spirits remained surprisingly high with the continued progress of step by step decision making.
The next morning, with the terminal buzzing and the sun shining, I boarded a final plane to San Jose, reaching my destination by 9 am. I joined my fellow entrepreneurs for a delightful tour of a local business. As we walked around, I quietly reflected on the past 24 hours.
Even though we like to think life can be planned, unexpected challenges are actually the only true life guarantee. So do we complain about this piece of reality or do we adapt? Today I resourced my quieter voice, humor, and deep breaths to ground me in every twist and turn during my travels. If there's one thing I'm most grateful for in moments like these, it's the resilience cultivated through my daily practice.
As I finally rest in a bed in Costa Rica, sans luggage (which likely remains in Houston), I feel fortunate to be showered, warm, and in a soft bed. The past 48 hours were far from easy, but this moment of relief underscores the resilience drawn from deep within. I'm reminded of the strength we all possess to overcome unexpected obstacles. Its all inside of us, our practice helps us uncover it.
How did you dig deep during the recent weather interruptions over the past few days? What moments of wisdom did you discover within yourself? And what moments to did you not keep your cool?
I hope you have all stayed warm and safe during these icy days, but I want to reassure you that if you lost your cool during these stressful times, that is okay! I support you within that stress. It is very, very real. And I also support you in feeling that stress and frustration and coming back to your practice, back to your breath, and back to your recognition that life will simply happen whether we are prepared or not.
Thank you as always for reading, and I hope you pause to breath through the next few days of inevitable moments of change.
With love, Krista.
