Arouca: crossing our bridge one step at a time

The 516 Arouca Bridge, located in the Arouca National Park, is the longest suspension bridge in the world. This trepidatious footpath forms a sly smile above the Paiva River while its grinning edges grip the cliffs of the Arouca Geopark.

The name suggests a hidden clue; this suspension bridge spans 516 meters across while hovering over the river at 120 meters, floating in the air of the majestic Geopark located in the Porto region of Portugal.

There is wonder and awe when approaching the stepping-off point; the other side silently lingers and coyly coerces, like a clown selling popcorn at the circus. It will taste good once reached out for, yet the scary smile on the clown is dubious and makes us pause.

---

Yet, as Lao Tzu reminds us:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

---

Standing on the edge of our life's journey can be awkward and apprehensive, yet there comes a time when standing still becomes impossible to bear. No longer able to remain standing still, it becomes apparent that the only way to evolve and transform is by taking a step in a skillful direction.

Each step can be wobbly; yet can we tap a toe, swing an arm, or just gaze our eyes forward? A simple moment, if only long enough to experience the imagination of a life fulfilled and joyous. The itsy-bitsy act of gazing past our nose is enough to nudge the momentum. No need for trumpets blaring or a drumroll to start our own parade.

When we encourage our mind in the right direction, our actions, thoughts, emotions, and feelings begin to tag along for the ride. These are intricately webbed together; it is a package deal. We cannot purchase a tranquil mind without also subscribing to the apps that go along with it to create a grand and functional program.

Our internal mindful apps can be purchased separately, though, as we begin to clean up our storage space; each time leaving room to embrace a motivated journey. The trick is to start with the smallest steps possible, as the mind is a comfortable sleeping dog that does not prefer to be woken or disturbed.

Look across the running river within, get to know the aspiring place to live. Set sights on this personal paradise and believe it already exists, right here right now. Each skillful thought becomes a small step towards freedom. The vibrations created on this bridge, through each tiny step, create a wave of inspiration and motivation.

It is shocking and surprising when we notice how the tiniest mental step initiates frequencies of change and growth. Frequencies invisible but vibrantly there. We take another step, allow the vibrations to resonate; pause, breathe, and savor each rewarding and refreshing moment.

Soon we begin to notice the fresh air and the tingly skin, ahhh—our conditioned mind calms as the sound of the river becomes a soft melody. The steps become the destination, each a micro journey in its own. This is the adventure of a life lived through aspiration and dreams.

The bridge expands longer, evolving with us, keeping us suspended in motivation. We hold the handrails, no longer having to grip them so tightly; we can now even tenderly caress and graze along them when needed.

Somewhere along the way we begin to enjoy the wobbles of our feet, the pulses of the vibrating ground. The unstable unknown becomes more comfortable, even inviting and invigorating. The spark of living is lit!

Notice what drives the passions and dreams. Walk upon the bridge slowly and tenderly, as the mind will eventually follow; gently wake the sleeping dog, kindly teach it to enjoy a good walk and meander one step at a time.

Even the tiniest step moves us, and one day we may find no handrails are needed!

Cheers!

Kether

Spunky Mind

"You don't have to see the

whole staircase, just take

the first step."

Martin Luther King