two-storey window of the cabin. I never had a breakthrough or an ‘Ah
ha’ moment during my previous morning sessions, but today would
be different. As I relaxed into the moment, a sudden flash of insight
came to me: “Surrender,” said my inner voice. “What was that?”
“Surrender. Walk away.”
In my daily meditation, I did in fact attempt to surrender to the
moment and relax into my breath, but this thought was different. “You
always have options,” said my inner voice. All my options had always
involved more work, more deals and more stress, but these thoughts
today were strange and new. I knew on a deeper level to trust my inner
voice and instincts. “Surrender,” I heard again. “Walk away.”
Taking a cue from my yoga and meditation practice, I decided
that yes I would walk away from it all. I would stop fighting the banks
and trying to keep it all together. I would give up the stress, the bills,
the collection letters, and the phone calls. Instead, I would focus on
what was really important, which starts with health. I always knew
somewhere in my deepest being that health is the true wealth, but
like most, I had been seduced by the system and the culture of more,
more, more.
A new life
One final stressful year followed, but in the end, my wife and I had
sold our home of 25 years, given up our real estate investments,
and wound down the business. We bought the Tardis and started to
live again. It’s been four years now, and we’ve travelled the country,
enjoyed sunsets and sunrises in countless new locations, met
amazing people, and regained our health and vigour.
Today, as I approach 65 this December, I’m in better shape than
I was in high school! I am currently travelling the country, showing
fellow baby boomers that they don’t have to be out of shape and
unhealthy. Even though my camper is small, I do at least one hour of
yoga and meditation every morning. My poses aren’t perfect, and I’ll
never be as limber as my wife, but I practice consistently, and that,
of course, is the key to anything in life.
And the adventure continues. I can still see stars in this early
morning sunrise after a cold clear night. They make way for the
dawn and a new day of adventure. The air is dry and clean and the
views go on for miles. I’m now camping on a dried up lake bed in
Joshua Tree. There are no neighbours and no sounds on this new
day, save for my slow and deep breathing.
I am home. In my safe spot.
On my mat.
All is well as time melts away.
Follow Steve Kirschner’s journey on Instagram at: PlantBasedSenior