In Flight - The Journey of Life

It is with gratitude to my mom, herself an incredible pilot, that I so appreciate and enjoy the miracle that is Flight. She not only taught us to make the most of life, but she had the time and patience to instil in us, the ability to value and recognise the wonder of Nature.

Mom taught us about clouds. How exactly they are formed. Why they develop. Their scientific names. And so too, the remarkable value and impact clouds have on the earth. With this sharing of knowledge, she gave us the gift of looking further afield and deeper within.

Due to that knowledge and awareness, I am enriched. I am blessed to have these eyes of mine. For I see. I see the wonders of the Universe below me, around me and within me. Nature’s own tapestry of colours and textures. So rich. So valuable. So unknown and so unseen. The tapestry of absolute wonder that is creation itself. As kids, during flights, we developed the awareness to truly see what so many people give up when pulling down the blinds to lose themselves in Hollywood. I do often feel I am the only passenger looking out the window - appreciating, seeing and absorbing.

The joy of flight provides a deeper experience. One in which relative separation from humanity, and seeing the world through different eyes, present a new lease on life. The miracle that is sitting in absolute comfort at 35000 feet and truly seeing that every ravine, valley, mountain range, ocean and coral reef has been created by the skilled, artistic hands of the Universe, is in itself, a spiritual experience. Patterns on the earth’s surface alone, exposing centuries of rich experiences that are the journey of life, provide answers to endless, seemingly unanswered questions. There lies the evidence of powers unseen. Unrivalled. Authentic.

I too have played a part in my extremely privileged life. A profound value for that which I have made possible, remains deeply embedded in who I am. My wonderfully rich experiences have never been taken for granted. There are those who may say, my life is simply the life of an ex-pat. This I do not believe. One needs to have the right eyes to see what is around one. None of this fell into my lap. The luxury and the experiences all came at a price. The price of hard work.  A strong belief system and a Spirit that seeks adventure and living life to the full, assisted in the process. I now have an even deeper awareness and understanding that I create my own experiences. I am responsible for who I am and for how I conduct my life. 

Whilst sipping pink champagne in seat 1A as the masses board, the impeccably presented stewardess hands me the selection of warm pistachio and cashew nuts.  A smile crosses my lips. The thought of what is yet to come my way in the next few hours is exhilarating. The sense of wickedness deepens. As the passengers take their seats in the section behind me, carefully or not so carefully, squeezing their bags into the overhead lockers, I sink deeper and deeper into my spacious seat. Every cell in my body is relaxed and content. I have space. I can breathe.

A Bloody Mary in my right hand, whilst climbing to flight level, shares in the familiar sound of those jet engines at full throttle. The ice cubes adding their own tinkling sounds to the powerful roar. Looking down upon the emerald green waters of the Persian Gulf,  lovingly hugging the rich cream-coloured desert, I am mesmerised by the islands below. Stolen land from the sea. Providing added space on which to create a reality for Man’s dreams. 

The Shiraz sways sleepily in my glass whilst Yemen slips beneath our wings. The miniature box of luxury brand chocolates balances with confidence on the leather-clad armrest. Filled with pride at that which they resemble. Smoothness, elegance and desire. Silently witnessing my absolute joy and contentment. 

Gentle flavours and aromas of the Middle East infuse my senses. The fresh lemon waiting patiently in its intricately designed net to be squeezed. Allowing its juices to enhance the flavours of the traditional yellow lentil soup. Taste buds explode with delight. One of Man’s most treasured gifts – that of being able to create and enjoy culinary delights from around the world.

Looking down upon the shimmering sands of the desert – home to the black rugged mountains of Pakistan - I savour every mouthful of succulent peppered beef. Dark red wine adding its signature essence to each bite. A sense of disbelief permeates my thoughts. I cannot quite believe how fortunate I am right now. Finding absolute comfort in this seat. Enjoying the gastronomic feast placed before me. 

Time stands still as dirt roads meander thousands of feet below.  Searching for their own destiny. Long, tiresome journeys shared with Man in the past. The future too. For they will continue to carry and to lead. Coloured desert sands stretch way past eternity. Taking on various forms and shapes. Those which we find threatening. And those which provide serenity to this ancient landscape. The heat haze, thick and all consuming, embraces the blackness of the mountains. Adding a shimmering aura so as to define clearly, the outlines of what our planet holds dear.

Sensations of hot scented towels linger on my fingers. Every sip, every aroma, every sighting becomes a truly integral part of me. Brimming with emotions, I am given yet another opportunity to witness and to absorb what both Man and Nature have created. At that moment, the contrast between all features on the earth’s surface below - rugged, barren and harsh - and the gentle comfort and luxury on board - is inconceivable. What are the inhabitants in those deserts doing right now, I wonder. Trying to survive yet another day in one of the world’s harshest regions?

Flavours continue to mingle with sheer delight as I eat the most decadent dessert. One smothered in hot chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The outside temperature is minus 50 C. Silently, but with  the  utmost power and presence, the mighty Himalayas  appear beneath the wings. Stretching far and beyond. As far as the naked eye can see. Covered in snow, they emanate indescribable beauty. Nature in her finest robes. In the distance the almighty K2 - the second highest mountain in the world – stands superior in her stark beauty. Mother Earth in all her splendour. Unthreatened by Man. Acknowledging that I am here, witnessing this moment, fills any void that may be within me. I remain forever in awe of this sight that lies before me. 

I see the moon. Her brilliance kindling the planet. Bursting forth and swathing all within her reach in iridescent energy. I travel alongside her. I travel to her. For now she is mine and I am hers. Whispering, I repeat my Chinese name to her. Given to me by an old man in a village, high up in the mountains of China, Han Yue has special significance in this moment. Yue means moon. 

Selecting an array of buttons, I create the perfect nest. Safe and comfortable in all the right places as my body gingerly snuggles into the leather seat. One last look at the blanket of clouds below and I drift off into a state of serenity and contentment, allowing the gentle vibrations of the magnificent flying machine to lull me into the perfect state of slumber.

I need to sleep now. To prepare myself. For soon Mother Earth will present herself in a very different form. A deep sense of acceptance matures, knowing that everything is exactly as it should be. There is a higher power in control of all. Sleep comes easily, knowing I am cared for and there is a plan.

Thanks go to my beautiful Myanmar friend, Thet, for her incredible photo of the moon.