Simplifying is a choice.
It is possible to make many things in life complex. We can choose to carry multiple fly patterns with us. We can carry multiple line weights. We can carry accessories along.
When we don’t know any better, it may seem like the burden of carrying additional things in our fishing packs (in addition to the burden of then having to think about those additional things) will be add value to our fishing. Often it does not.
The tenkara story tells us we can leave many things behind and still have effective fishing days. After we know that we can leave stuff behind, what we then do is simply a matter of choice.
Facebook Comments
4 Responses to Simplifying is a choice
Leave a Reply
« Tenkara at the Fly Fishing Shows A different way of thinking »
For some, simplicity is, well, too simple. The need to “figure out” the trout’s mood at that particular moment is just too great. Hence multiple rods, lines, and flies. This, after all, is a creature which will sample a floating stick just in case it’s something edible. Going onstream with just the minimum of gear, gear that will fit in the pockets of a fishing shirt, is the real beauty of tenkara.
As I have gotten older I have discovered that my life has been filled with multiple layers of stuff. Being introduced to Tenkara, and it’s innate simplicity, has made me re-evaluate the rest of my chaotic life. I have scooped away much of the dross and found a greater joy in life itself. A chaotic life creates a mind in chaos. I am greatful to spend more time in contemplative time on the stream, and not caught up in the “what ifs” of fishing.
Gregory J. I too have gone “minimalistic” in many things since tenkara! I’m 63 and find theres a whole bunch of “stuff” i don’t really NEED or want anymore. Heres some very interesting reading you might find fruitful…”Shantyboat, a river way of life”. by Harlan Hubbard and his 3 sequels and of course “Walden” by H.D. Thoreau.
[…] Click here to read the full post […]