Souls and soles

The story goes that a western missionary set off to Africa.  Called by God and a man on purpose, the missionary was focused on getting to work, God's work, in the heart of Africa. Once his ship arrive on the coast, he hired a team of porters to take he and his things to the village several days travel away.  A great distance was covered on the first day and adequate ground met on the second day, thanks to the missionary's dedication and admonitions.  As the missionary prepared to set-off on Day 3, he noticed little movement among the porters. 

'It's time to go. We have much to do,' exhorted the clergyman. 

'We must rest,' offered the self-designated spokesman. 

'I'll pay more,' begged the pastor.

'We have gone far fast. We must let our souls catch up to our feet," explained the porter. 

I can't attribute this story, but no matter. Truth is true.

My bride and I took the kids on a trip and pushed hard to cover a lot of ground.  We had a delightful time seeing the sights of high adventure, stopping in a new city each night.

About halfway through the trip, we stayed at one location multiple days, settling into our destination.  Wandering to the coffee pot without thought of repacking or check-out freed me from a moment of decision.  This moment, a dozen times over before coffee, the morning felt lighter. There was no urgency to do anything but pour a second cup.  Over a few days, even with activity, our souls caught up with our soles, rejoining us for more adventure. 

I'm convinced this is what really happens in jet lag: our souls and bodies move at different speeds, creating separation in mind and body and of now and then. It's in the long coffees and hot baths, reading into boundless time and the big desserts that create the opportunity for our souls to reintegrate.

This integration is critical to living in integrity, however important the work.

Breathe. Let your soul catch up.