Securing for Sea

Over two decades ago, I left the Navy.

As one of the first female Officers to serve at sea – training on the Bridge of a Frigate and as part of this, learning the art of navigation – I soon realised this was not the path for me to continue forging, and retired from duty.Although my time in the Service was short, it was a strong forging chapter of my life. Joining up was straightforward, time on-board was significant, but leave-taking was the greater test. Indeed, it was a journey in its entirety that fundamentally strengthened my knowing of how and where to offer my best service, and, in understanding the importance of staying on course … and aligned with my deeper truth.

Certainly, serving on-board as a Seaman Officer was an honour … and, continues to inform my practice and onward journeying in navigating the complexities of life. It stands alongside other chapters and practice-grounds, including as an outdoor educator, when leading groups through cave systems, mountainous landscapes, or teaching water-sports both in open waters, or white-water rivers; and more recently as host, process architect, writer and field-weaver.

Amid all these differing landscapes, proficiencies and timelines, I draw from a physicality of knowing how to navigate ever-changing and complex terrains … referencing methods, inclusive of the subtle aspects, for moving consciously in the world.

Today, I noticed a memory echo emerging from my Navy days, ushering forth my writing.

I remembered the practice of ‘Securing for Sea’ … whereby a complex set of procedures were undertaken to prepare to move from port-side to open sea. I do not recall the timeline, but it was intricate and detailed process for ensuring all was readied – secured – to be seaworthy. Stock-takes, role-calls, ‘dry-runs’ and fine-tuned preparations were meticulously tended. This was in preparation for departure and the journey itself.

As navigators in these times of transition – times that are enduring, ever-changing and evolving – it seems to be our moral imperative to seek to attune our presence and gifting for best service, amid the simplicity and complexity of life. We are moving in times when our journeying is calling us further and further from the shores of our knowing … requiring a readiness and steadfast resilience supportive of whatever ‘tour of duty’, awaits us. Timely preparation is oftentimes helpful and indeed necessary… a diligent ‘stock-take’, and readying … to make sure that we tend what we can – becoming attuned – in order to journey well and safely. And, it is in full recognition that many journeys hold not knowing, and adventure at their core.

We are learning to navigate open seas and stormy waters, staying true to the course that is ours to take. We have maps and navigational aids to support these transits – and sometimes have to create the charts ourselves – inviting steadiness of hand on steering and sail, as well as an adventurous and pioneering heart. Some journeys are best travelled alone, whilst others are to be journeyed with Mates; those who are proficient, sea-worthy, and travelling a similar course. Sometimes too, it’s our turn to offer guidance, solace and fortitude to those around us.

How do we best prepare for the journeys ahead … the journeys that call us … and be ready for both steady sailing days and stormy seas … so that we move with grace and purpose, and steer a steady and clear course?

In my experience it is to diligently tend what we can, be well trained and attuned in navigational aptitude – take stock, stay true and learn – as well as look around and see who else is on deck! Then with clarity of mind and courage in our hearts, we are ready. Time to set sail!

Until … coming home to the harbour awaiting …