A few weeks ago I found myself on the ground.
We were out on a trail-clearing project on one of our local community forest properties. It was good work on a beautiful day in the company of neighbors and friends. As we made our way back to our cars we dropped into easy conversation with each other. Stopping at the bottom of the hill, I took my focus off of where I was going. And just like that, I tripped over a branch and fell. Embarrassed and wanting to get the attention off of me, I quickly tried to reassure everyone, myself included. “I’m ok.” I said. My geologist gave me a hand to pull me up, and we all continued on our way.
A couple of weeks ago, someone I love found themselves on the ground, too.
We were out on a hike with family. It was good exercise on a beautiful day in the company of people we love. Getting a bit separated on the trail, I heard a thunk behind me, and maybe a swear word of two. Heading back to check on him, he was still on the ground. Wanting to get the attention off of himself, he quickly tried to reassure everyone, himself included. “I’m ok” he said. My geologist offered him a hand, but he was able to pick himself up off the ground, and we all continued on our way.
When we fall, our first inclination seems to be to say that we are ok, and the first inclination of those around us is to get us back on our feet as quickly as possible. But the truth of the matter is it’s hard to know if we are ok or not. Adrenaline and embarrassment kick in, and all we want is to get the focus off of us, and continue on our way. But if something is broken, or sprained, if we’re injured in any way, there is wisdom to be found in taking a beat to assess the situation. Both for the person on the ground, and for those who are trying to help them.
Falling is simply a part of being human. We all stumble, trip, and make mistakes. At some point in our life, we will fail miserably in full view of others. Finding ourselves flat on our backs all we want is to reassure ourselves and others that we are ok, and then get up and continue on our way as quickly as possible. But the wisdom to be found is on the ground. It is only from our fallen state that we can take stock, tell the truth about if and where it hurts, and ask for the help we need.
It’s in falling that we learn how to better stay on our feet.
