An invitation to a deeper knowledge.
I have been completely lost by accident a handful of times: in a new city where I don’t speak the language or the few times I’ve got on the wrong bus (it happens, right?).
More frequently, however, I’ve purposely taken a new trail, turned onto a different road, or spontaneously stopped by some unknown place. In this way, I have begun to deeply know this dynamic region that is my home.
When we are sufficiently (and safely) equipped, going astray is simply an invitation to be curious, resulting in experiences that can be wildly eye-opening. In this edition, we explore this kind of transformation in stories of Upana Caves, Strathcona’s deep backcountry, and Morocco.
Getting lost is so often perceived as an uncomfortable situation. But allowing ourselves to deviate from the known path can build incredible skills: resilience, adaptability, and an openness to different perspectives. We become more aware and encounter the full spectrum of human experience.
Our region is filled with vast and remote places to chase this feeling, if you’re willing to get out there. It is also filled with healing cultural and natural elements that can nourish us when the feeling of loss is far greater than the literal action of losing one’s bearings, as seen in Nadine Bariteau’s piece on grief.
I invite you to play with your perception, your definition, of what it means to explore beyond the edges of the places you feel most comfortable, both physically and mentally. And if you see me on the trail, I’d be happy to share some wrong turns with you. Although, you’ve been warned: I come accompanied by the fervent joyful energy of a two-year-old herding dog whose favourite words are “run” and “buddy.”
