As I was out on the course I was finding my mind straying from the current moment, and ruminating about all the stresses from work. I kept trying to recenter myself and live in the moment, that's what I always appreciated about orienteering, you have to be paying attention.
Well, as I was climbing up an embankment, I heard some noise from above. At first I thought it was another person on a course, dashing through the woods like a deer. The course was compact enough that I'd cross paths with other participants. But nope, this time it actually was deer. Three of them running across my path just ahead of me. It was quite stunning to see. They were heading down to the trail I had just left but they stayed in the protection of the trees along the edge as they slowed down, sussing out if they should cross, and actually walking down a bit further before they ran across the trail back into the woods on the opposite side.
I was torn as I made my way to my control, that with all these people in the woods, we were disturbing the local wildlife and yet still in awe of seeing them up close. A few minutes later, as I was making my way to another control, I had left a path and came across a couple walking the opposite direction who pointed out a coyote just a little ways away in the woods. It looked like she was intent on something and was heading away from us. Not too worried about our presence. She did seem to be heading on a path that might intersect with the deer I had just seen, although she was coming from a different direction. Again another conflict of emotions, awe and worry about what is only the natural course of events in the wild.
I ended up making it back in good time, even after stoping and watching the wildlife and few stops to talk with others on the course. Interestingly, this was my third meet in a row where I placed in the top three. Granted, this has more to do with who else is running the course. But the last few courses I haven't had any trouble finding the controls. Usually there is at least one that trips you up and takes a chunk of time. I'm thinking I might be ready to advance on to the next level - the advanced course. It's all woods and no trails. Making it more challenging but also tiring.
I ended up sticking around and volunteered for the last part of the meet. Partly for my own benefit. I've been working on trying to figure out how to have more energy as I'm getting worn down from work. At work, I've inherited quite a mess of a department and a lot of issues. As I get more tired, I find myself pulled into the weeds and not able to step back as often as needed to see the problem as what it is, in a more balanced light. So in my time not working I've been falling into the habits of trying to relax and rest up but not very successfully. For me, I recognize that I'm on the cusp of introvert/extrovert. I benefit from taking time and hanging out and chatting with people. It gets me out of my head. So staying and chatting with fellow orienteering folks put me in a good frame of mind. I also found that the fuel I have also helps. So on my way home, I stopped by the grocery store and when I got home I went straight into cooking mode. If I stop and rest, I sometimes don't make it back up. I ended up cooking for three hours but have all my meals for the week ready to go.
And what a difference Saturday and Sunday was. Saturday I went into relaxation mode and slept in, but really well and did a little here and there but didn't accomplish much and in the end felt less recharged. Sunday, having the deadline of having to make it to the meet, I got myself up and out the door and had a very productive day where I felt much better at the end of it all. And slept much better that night too. Which at first glance is counter intuitive. I did more and felt less tired versus laying low and relaxing and felt more tired.
It got me thinking about misconceptions. As I've been decluttering I realized "retail therapy" was the exact opposite. The concept being if you take some time to be indulgent and shop, you'll feel better. Which is true for the moment, but in the long term you feel worse. It's a quick fix that hurts more than helps.
And more recently I realized "comfort food" was the same. Yes, you feel good in the moment eating whatever comfort food - often simple carbs. But later you'll feel worse and it didn't help at all. With the food, I know to stay away from the comfort foods when I'm needing comfort. I need the healthy stuff that will fuel me. It got me thinking of other comfort habits I have that aren't the best habits. And what actually gives me energy. I did notice that sometimes when I'm stressed I'll organize/declutter a specific spot in the house. I think this is a positive because it gives me immediate comfort but also long term, I feel an accomplishment of making something better. I think I have to keep an eye on my Netflix viewing. It definitely feels comforting sometimes, but leaves me decharged. The biggest take away is that I feel more charged after accomplishing something. Granted I need down time and can't just be go, go, go, but need to figure out what a healthy down time is for me. Well, off to feed the cats.
