The Pair

Written almost 20 years ago ...

As the two proceeded on another journey, onlookers would point and then
point the pair out to others.  Many would wave or smile.  This pair was
different.  Some held faces of wonderment and awe at such an oddity. 
Others shouted cheers of encouragement.  Always they were uncommon.

The pair working together always; individuals, but one, when together,
as a team. It can't be any other way.

As a team, the pair works together always.  Neither has complete
control, yet one must be the guide, the captain to provide the
direction and control for each circumstance, and one will be the
partner or mate.   Still the guide must consider the partner at all
times, and the partner should always be contributing to the navigation
of the team towards the aim.

Every path taken will provide challenges and tests of will; intervals
of stability and steady, smooth effort; and well-deserved rewards.

As a team, every challenge is negotiated together.  A few are larger
than life and nearly impossible while others may quickly pass often
without notice.  The smaller tasks can become commonplace and merely
require a signal to exert the modest effort to prevail.  If the team
has enough momentum, perhaps it is not even noticeable.  Some are like
roller coasters, the next one is always right there, just keep the
momentum going and these may even seem easy.  Those which are not
apparent until you've actually reached the end can be disheartening,
but don't give up.  Then there are the big ones, the ones which require
the most tenacity by the team.  Be careful not to exert too much at the
beginning and struggle near the end.  And watch for false peaks, which
are only intermediate goals towards achieve the final end.  Every once
in a while, a change of position to alter the attack or to give the
charge some extra effort can render a renewed sense of purpose.  The
effort can be long and arduous, so take turns giving a little boost to
the team.  In the end, the team will be successfully if they work together.

Almost every challenge has its rewards, even if small; every down has
its up.  The rewards can be exhilarating, refreshing, a relief, a rush!
A magnificent sunset with no one around for miles, a night under the
stars, a fine bar of chocolate - imagination has no limits.  A chance
to coast along  with little effort, to indulge in the prize of a
challenge met and conquered.  Enjoy these rewards, for often they don't
last long as one might wish.  Savor them individually, savor them as a
team where the momentum of two will be greater than either could attain
separately.  Yet, amidst the bliss of splendor, don't forget the
responsibilities to the team, to the other person.

Rare be it for periods of constancy to occur.  Don't expect those
smooth and flat stretches to be very lengthy.  Maybe relaxation and
enjoyment of an easier effort are in order, or perhaps a chance to take
advantage of the stability to push the pace and explore some limits. 
During these stretches, it's probably a good idea to stretch a bit and
change position, just like when challenges are being fought, except
here, the change is to keep smooth, not to alter the attack.

But beware, constancy can inspire boredom and a wandering mind.  A mind
that says I'm not doing my share.  So one starts to work a little
harder.  The other in turn notices and also expends a little more
energy, not to be outdone.  The team has succumbed to a cycle which
increases pace and requires an energy expenditure greater than
necessary.  Watch for such traps to avoid coercing an unnecessary challenge.


But none of this can happen without some essentials - some of which
include trust, cooperation, compromise.

Each, as individuals, has their own style, but these must be blended to
induce the harmony of the pair.  The styles may not be entirely
compatible, compromises must be made by both for the team to work in
unison.  One may like to smell the flowers, the other to reach the
goal; one may be patient, the other impatient.  No match is ever
perfect, but compromises in style can make it work.

The team must cooperate.  Deciding on a destination together is the
first step.  As the team travels, use their individual strengths for
their benefit and make up for their collective weaknesses.  Work
through the differences in ideas, thoughts, styles to provide
smoothness and comfort for both.

Complete Trust between the two is absolutely necessary.  Trust that the
guide holds a steady course, maintains complete control, provides
necessary adjustments and commands when necessary.  Trust that the
partner will back that direction, not counter the course the guide is
taking, and respond to directions.  The well-being of the team depends
on this trust.

Any team or situation demands communication.  This team must
communicate as well.  Initially this may be verbally, but as the pair
travels together, they learn about each other.  They learn subtleties
of movements, the meanings of actions, anticipation of what will may
happen next.  As time passes, each can respond to non-verbal clues from
the other.  Soon they just do, as if by magic.

Oh, and one other thing about this team.  Don't ever tell them they
can't, they'll leave you in their dust before the statement is finished!

It will take effort to get two moving as one, in synchronous motion. 
Once the team is moving, they carry a lot of momentum with them and
will hard to stop!


Being as one, they travel together, enjoy the beauty of their travels,
endure the hardship it may bring, but most of all it provides a unison,
a unity of spirits.  A oneness and uniqueness that is readily recognizable.

The pair working together always; individuals, but one, when together,
as a team. It can't be any other way.

So is this the story of a pair on a tandem, or a tandem to the story of a pair?