Of course, we all know that change is inevitable and that most of it (in the big scheme of things) is beyond our petty control. Dead skin cells continually slough off our bodies, making way for new growth beneath. Each season fades into the next, every year turns over anew, our bodies erode – as do landscapes, and new ideas channel ahead. Sometimes we adapt gracefully, but not always.

            Personally, I’ve been given the challenge of practicing patience as I recover from rotator-cuff surgery—for the third time. Not fun. Sleeping in a recliner, making do with one functioning arm while the other sweats in a sling, continuously trying to accept all the things that I can’t do (for now, or perhaps ever), can tax my resolve. Everything is impermanent, I remind myself.

          Since the Cedar Fire in 2003 came through and claimed everything here, Kent and I have gotten accustomed to the way things have been for the past twenty years. But now, progress is being made further up the canyon where the last quarter mile of our country dirt road has been paved over. To each his own, I suppose. Each one of us is entitled to our own preferences, but deep down I know that’s all they are: our own take on things.

            The arts, trails, winery and music scenes are blossoming here in our beautiful valley of the sun. I feel that this mingling has been an organic type of growth and evolution that fits our community well. It blends with our natural habitat in a way that conventional development would not. And, they all depend on acceptance and comradery in order to flourish, which also deeply benefits every one of us. We all like to feel included. The ripple effect of every little thing reaches farther than we can possibly know. So, when negativity, through uncompassionate comments or actions, are put forth publicly then the harmony of our whole is compromised. When we try to force our rigidly held beliefs on others, everyone pays. It’s just not the right thing to do. Let’s be better and hold ourselves to a higher standard where love and compassion is held foremost.

            Instead of reverting back to our own fixed stance on things, how about opening ourselves to some fresh air outside in nature? If we stop our incessant thought patterns and just look up into the trees, who knows what new thoughts might appear? Among other things, we might find ourselves reconsidering our long-held judgements of others. It’s always worth a try.

            And when did sheer functionality and convenience become more important than beauty? They really don’t enrich our souls. As a kid, our kitchen table had gargoyles intricately carved into the legs. After the Cedar Fire, I went to an antique shop to replace our manual coffee mill grinder, and mortar and pestle. Beautiful craftsmanship is ageless and adds beauty to our lives while also providing purpose. I’d rather combine both instead of letting go of heart and soul for the strict functionality of Ikea-type surroundings. The farther we remove ourselves from beauty and nature, the less connected we become to everything. All things are part of the bigger whole, as are we.               

            Clinging to a set of beliefs limits our capacity for noticing magic. Magic, inspiration, synchronicity, whatever we’d like to call it; usually arrives when we least expect it. It’s like when those song lyrics come floating by and we’re aware enough to accept the gift. Or in my case, for years I’ve been trying to work out the challenges of running our property, always with the same goals in mind; and then, all of a sudden it becomes clear. Just let it go. There may be a different way to look at this that I’m not seeing. Therefore, I’m letting it go to make room for another approach—whatever that might be.   

            Smile, breathe, look into the trees and be grateful… for my heart and soul shall open and be more accepting and patient. That’s the plan, anyway. For now, though, I think I’ll sit on this rock and listen to the quail mutter and scuttle through the bushes.

Chi Varnado has published six books including fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. They are available on www.amazon.com. Her collection of essays, Quail Mutterings, can be found on www.chivarnado.com or www.dancecentrepresents.com.