Windshields

While spending a bit more time than usual behind the wheel lately, I pondered a couple different windshield references that are wise for us to keep in mind on our journey to living a life of healing, health and happiness. 

Windshield tourists

I was recently flipping through a rather opinionated hiking guide book searching for a new adventure to try, when I came across a trail that I had done before but was shocked to see it had made it into this more “hard core” book. I had used the book enough in the past to know that this particular “hike” would not be up the alley of the two authors. When I did it there were hundreds of people there, most of the “hike” was on a paved pathway and was single file shoulder to shoulder shuffling. It was definitely not the Rocky Mountain natural solitude that most veteran hikers seek. But admittedly, the canyon and waterfalls were impressive none the less and a black bear did make an appearance on the trail. So I agree, it had a place in the book as it was worth a look, (though just a quick one in my opinion). If you’ve found yourself in the Banff or Lake Louise regions, especially in the summer, you know what I’m talking about. A glimpse of the natural beauty of the Rockies, is very accessible to those searching for a quick peek of the mountains and turquoise lakes with minimal effort. It only makes sense these areas become jam packed and attract thousands of people, often arriving by the bus load. The authors of the guidebook simply reported the area was flooded every year with “windshield tourists”. I had not heard that term before but I thought it summarized the scene very well. Sometimes, windshield tourism is handy and necessary, and does provide a quick glimpse of the natural beauty - so I’m not against a bit of it now and again, but I thought about what I know lies beyond and what the windshield tourists are missing. 

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, if you’re willing to put in the work and go further, you will leave the crowds and parking lot noise behind and be able to fully immerse your soul in the forests and mountains that can transport you far from life’s stressors and the traffic below. This made me wonder what we might also be missing if we are simply being windshield tourists in our own lives? Observing but not immersing. Watching others but not doing - even though we are (in all likelihood) capable if we were willing to put in the effort, take the risk and not sell ourselves short. Social media can sometimes encourage this way of life and become a great trap into windshield tourism - if we let it. So don’t. Get out of the car and explore. Challenge yourself and see what life holds past the view from the pavement (the average, the expected, the accepted norm). Do more than observe. Don’t watch yourself get older, weaker or sicker, and certainly don’t watch others defy the odds but not try yourself. Yes, the comfort of the pavement and the cushy seat is nice and safe, but there is so much more waiting for you when you’re willing to get out from behind that piece of glass.

Windshields and rear-view mirrors

They say there’s a reason that the windshield is big and the rear-view mirror is small. While it’s important to know where you came from, where you’ve been and the lessons that have helped to shape who you are now, where you are going is far more important. As C.S Lewis said “there are far better things ahead than the ones we leave behind.” Sometimes we get caught focusing only on what’s in our tiny rear-view mirror and we forget the openness of possibilities waiting in front of us. When we hit a bump or hear a thud, sure it’s important to glance back, see what it was and make a note to self to try not to hit that again. Perhaps something has flown off and we may even need to stop and survey the damage, pick up some pieces, or do some repairs before heading off again. Those are important things to do and can help us grow and later thrive, but we need to make sure that we don’t get caught staring at that view for too long.

Trying to drive forward when our focus is only on the rear-view mirror is very difficult. It is much easier when we set our attention forwards. The windshield views are so much better - and the viewing area is bigger too! So let the rear-view mirror be a reference and tool, but remember it’s purpose is best served with only the occasional glance. Set your sights on what lies ahead in your windshield view. The bugs will barely be noticeable once you see what’s waiting for you around the next turn.