In 1986, Maverick and Goose felt the need for speed. Top Gun was all about speed as the F-14 Tomcats raced across the sky battling MiGs and bogies. As the long-awaited sequel to Top Gun hits the movie theaters, I’ve got to wonder do we still feel the need for speed in 2022. Or do we really need to slow down? Do we really need to take the lessons learned from the pandemic and realize there is much more to life than going Mach 2.5 with our hair on fire?
Scuba diving teaches us to slow down. Slow down our movements. Slow down when we prepare for a dive. Scuba diving teaches us not to rush and not to take shortcuts. All of our training runs counter to the need for speed. This doesn’t mean that we can’t be quick and efficient. One has to strike the balance between moving at warp speed and being stuck in the mud.
Did we learn anything from the pandemic?
In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the world to slow down. They said it would be two weeks to flatten the curve. We all know now that was not to be. By the time those two weeks passed, our dive shop closed because of the statewide lockdown. Our speed stalled. For the next ten weeks, our lives became a slowed down version of the once hectic schedule with never enough time to get everything done. Slowing down wasn’t so bad. We did not feel the need for speed. We went for walks and contemplated the future.
Now, fast forward to today and we are feeling the pressure of a need for speed. At least I feel it. Is it time to slow some things down? Scuba diving has the effect of slowing us down. Are there other things we can do to help reduce our need for speed? It could be meditating. For some, it could be a hike in the woods. Well, how about a vegetable garden?
I’m descendent from gardners
I come from a line of vegetable gardeners. Both my grandfathers were prolific gardeners. My paternal grandfather died before I was born, but the stories abound of his love for “farming”. I have a small picture of a painting by a local artist friend who when on the become somewhat renowned. The picture is titled “My Friend Jeff”. My grandfather is wearing a straw hat, holding a hoe in one hand and a pipe in the other. He is standing in his “garden farm”.
My maternal grandfather’s garden comprised over 100 tomato plants, many pepper plants, string beans, lettuce, zucchini, eggplant, onions, garlic and other herbs. He was meticulous in its maintenance. My father also planted tomatoes and peppers while my brother continued the legacy. They could slow down and watch their gardens grow. The gardening gene passed me by until recently. Maybe.
A garden to slow things down
We reserved a small garden plot at my mom’s condo this year. About 10 days ago, I planted several tomato and pepper plants along with one zucchini plant and one eggplant. With a garden, you have to slow down. Each day, you need to spend a little time cultivating and watering. The plants grow at their own pace. You can help them along with a little MiracleGro, but they take the time they need to mature and bear their fruit. You must be patient. Slow down and allow nature to take its course.
I am a scuba diver trained to slow down, think and act prudently. I am also very impatient by nature. As I grow older, finding more things, like gardening, reading, or writing, are helping me to slow down. I don’t need to go at Top Gun speed anymore.
How do you quell your need for speed? Please share your thoughts by replying below or sending me an email.