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Here in maine

As I hiked one of my favorite trails in the waning days of summer here in Acadia National Park, I stepped off the path as a large group approached. Unmasked, they muscled their way past, my hand waves and greetings ignored, simple courtesies taken once taken for granted in a time before quarantine and isolation now felt particularly mean-spirited. Feeling disappointed and disrespected I soon found myself a trail grouch; ruminating and brooding, plotting ways to disarm their bluetooth speakers and, well…other things too.

Rather than improving my mood, this only made it worse. There had to be a better way to channel my frustrations into something useful.

In Aikido, you use the momentum and energy of your opponent to redirect the attack thereby protecting both parties from harm. And so, that day on the trail, my internal game of creative Aikido produced a simple idea. I called it, “Here in Maine…” I’ve been leaving these micro-PSAs here and there on my favorite trails in the National Park.

I hope they brighten your day.