Chris Forte on how his vacation is helping him recognize his spirituality.
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I’m currently having a wonderful time on my vacation with my three daughters, ages 15, 13 & 12. As a single Dad, I soak up the time with them whenever I have the opportunity. On this trip I am playing the triple roles of Father, Dad, and Teacher/Role Model.
Here is how those roles break down: the role of Father is making sure we have good healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and making sure they are safe when we are bike riding, going to the gym, or swimming in the ocean. The role of Dad is the fun side, “Sure, have that ice cream–you’re on vacation!,” hanging out and watching movies late every night, “sleep in as long you want.” We play soccer on the beach, “Marco Polo” in the pool, or throw the football and play keep away. The teacher/role model is always on call and working.
Everyday they see me exercise my body and mind. They watch me do yoga, go to the gym, run on the beach, pray, read, write (like right now as we’re all chilling in the late afternoon) and meditate. All these practices are a part of my spiritual fitness practice, which they are also a part of. They are at ages now that they want to participate. During this vacation, all four of us have gone to the gym together, hit a bookstore and bought books that inspire each of us, talked about God and the power of prayer, and received body massages.
All these practices are a part of my spiritual fitness practice, which they are also a part of. They are at ages now that they want to participate. During this vacation, all four of us have gone to the gym together, hit a bookstore and bought books that inspire each of us, talked about God and the power of prayer, and received body massages.
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What we did today inspired me to write this piece. We wake up and it has been raining all morning, and the forecast has it raining all day. So I’m up early and hit the gym to run and do yoga. When I get back, they’re just getting up and we decide to watch “Blades of Glory” (Will Ferrell–hilarious) over breakfast. (My youngest has just joined me as I’m writing, she says “hello.”) We don’t let the clouds and rain stop us on our last full day on vacation, we make a commitment to hit the beach and jump in the ocean one last time.
The Father makes sure it’s safe, no lighting–the water is a little rough, so I’ll go in first. Once the coast is clear, the Dad pops out and all four of us run and jump in the ocean, having running races in the pouring rain on the beach. It’s like we have the whole ocean and beach to ourselves, and the reality is that we do. It’s just us four laughing, running, swimming, without a care in the world. Lastly, the teacher/role model comes out and says “Thank You” to his God for this moment and for how blessed he truly his.
Live Brave,
Chris
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This article originally appeared on Chris Forte
Photo credit: Getty Images