Triskel Life

I’m not sure where exactly I got the bug to pursue a meaningful life, or the firm belief that you can create and build the life you want (instead of just living one that’s handed to you). But I’m sure one of my early influences was my dad, Papa Triskel. He has lead several lives, from kayak instructor, to bus driver, and most recently uber-stressed out management man (I can actually give him ties for Father’s Day now). However, his change in job duties resulted in his surrendering to the hopeless abyss of stress, despite years of preaching to me about balance. Papa was the one who taught me to “read” the river, the man who stopped to point out the first signs of Solomon’s Seal along a hiking trail, or hit the road to see fresh wildflowers. How could it all fade so quickly under the fluorescent lights of the management world? Could not the two be meshed? But when I feared all was lost, Papa took a leave of absence and began the long, slow process of a rebound. At this passage I thought it would be fitting to find out what he’s learned and discovered about himself, his life, and happiness during this process, so I asked him a few questions.

An Interview with Papa Triskel

#1. You were the man who taught me about the “B” word - Balance. How do you feel about that mantra today?

Still believe in the concept… it’s putting into practice that I find challenging. When I went back after my leave [of absence], and ever since, I’ve been wearing my “yin-yang” earring to remind me.

#2. What have you personally found to be the most effective in achieving a work/life balance?

The period when I was most successful with that was the first couple of years of driving a bus. Work that was a benefit to the community (and planet), but that didn’t require me to 100% focus my energies there. When you punched out, you left the work behind. I built in time to take care of my body and I still had time/energy at home.

#3. You joke that you’re “almost set.” Tell me about a time that you felt you were, in fact, set.

There are moments that I have felt “set”. The strongest image that comes up for me is sitting in camp on the banks of the Klamath, after days of “chilling in”, boating, swimming, biking, reading. Sitting in a camp chair in the late afternoon with a cold beer watching TV (Turkey Vultures). Nothing needing to be done, no one needing taking care of…

#4. What was the best part of your day today? What made you laugh/smile?
So far today, the best parts have been going for a walk, finding that my bike tires still hold air, and setting up the washer to drain into the flowers (reusing a waste product rather than putting it into the septic/leach field). So far today, Ginger [the dog] has made me smile. She is the embodiment of love and acceptance. She has the sweetest smile.

#5. What’s next in your process to achieve balance/what are your goals for the next year?

Well, I put the bike rack on the car yesterday and aired up the tires in my bike today… I’ve been trying to be sure to walk more regularly. It’s time to start getting into shape to go on vacation. I’m cutting back a bit on my “working from home” hours. Next in the process…spending more time with you! My goal remains the same as my new year’s resolution… to have more FUN!

Here are few key points Papa Triskel provides:
-Give yourself visual reminders to remember balance throughout the day
-Detach mentally from your job at the end of the day, or find a job that lets you do so
-Doing nothing is, in fact, doing something (relaxing)
-Animals are a great way to connect and be grounded
-Life is always a work in progress.

Thanks Dad!

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