Bucket list

Well, this is embarrassing. Several of my blogging buddies wrote down a list of things they want to accomplish before they "kick the bucket." This idea was popularized recently with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman starring in a movie by the same name. I haven't seen it yet, but I'll probably put it in my Netflix queue and watch it sometime.

I couldn't think of anything I haven't already done to put on a list of things I want to experience before the Big Sleep. Nothing. Nada. I've slept under the stars without a tent, made love in the surf, kissed in the rain, run a marathon (well, a half marathon anyway), traveled to exotic places (more than once), bicycled across the country, made a few skydives, held a wild hawk in my hands, and found a nice place to retire after having had a satisfying career.

But then, I realized there are LOTS of unaccomplished things in my life, things that I would definitely like to attain before I die: to find a constant peaceful state of mind, to become a master of meditation, to learn how better to deal with the aging process, and finally, to let go of old hurts and grudges so that I will be squeaky clean when I pass over.

I'm sure there are more, but I am also inspired by an excerpt from a poem written by Chief Dan George, a Coast Salish native who became a movie actor at the age of sixty and even got an Academy Award nomination for his part in Little Big Man. He wrote poetry and helped people better understand the First Nations people.

Between the first campfire and the last
of each day I searched for food,
made shelter, clothing and weapons
and always found time for prayer.

Inspiration can always be found by studying the lives of those who came before, so that's my final entry on the list: learn from my ancestors.
:-)