What—spring already? No, it’s too early, but that’s not what it feels like. The air seems to have a different quality to it, even though it’s still chilly—especially at night. The grass is greening up the canyon and the birds are beginning to carry on, acting as if they too believe it to be so. The narcissus flowers are blooming late this year, the figs went on and on last fall, the first rains of the season hinted toward a wet year… Everything is whack-a-doodle.

            If the nature in our area is indeed pressing forward prematurely, what does that mean for us? Do we scramble to catch up (spring cleaning instead of hibernating) and get ready in advance? Or is there a benefit to just chilling out—chillaxing as my grandson calls it? Jump or procrastinate?

            Over the last two years, with the whole world turning upside down, it has proved helpful to me to read books such as Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, for a renewed perspective. Some of us have forged new paths while others have slammed on the brakes, and many have made other choices (either conscious or unconscious). I suppose most of us fit into this last category. But we must remember, life is a dance—part choreography, part freestyle.

            During this pandemic so many of our plans have been put off. I, all of a sudden, wonder if this is somehow, in some way, comforting to those procrastinators out there. I, on the other hand, am the opposite of that, TO A FAULT, so it has not been at all comfortable to me. So, I’ve had to look long and hard at my shortcomings and work like mad to try to find (make) peace and take ownership of my own feelings and what I do with them. The only thing within my power is how I react to things and whether or not I place my best foot forward. Stop, breathe, and smile.

            I was so sad to hear of Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing last week. The world lost a wonderful soul. His Zen teachings can be felt around the world and have helped to make this a better place. Even if you’ve never heard of him, you’re bound to have run across someone who has. I feel fortunate to have met and walked with him, up and down steep terrain, and meditated with the Deer Park community. The message of peace, love and compassion will go on in spite of the chaos and turmoil that abound. We have a choice in the way we respond to each other and the events around us. It really is up to all of us.

            The dance of life goes on; the birds sing and make nests. That’s their choreography. How they go about it—that’s freestyle. When I choreographed the ballets for The Dance Centre, after selecting the music and analyzing the phrasing and meter of each piece, the muse would eventually emerge and enable the dance to come forward. Then came the transference of movements to the dancers’ bodies. It didn’t stop there. Each would put his or her own personality into the role to make it their own. And then that interplay which happened between characters comingled and created something new. I believe the ballets became both: part choreography and part freestyle.

            Going back to procrastination versus jumping—what’s early for some is clearly late for others. As a kid, I would do my homework on the bus ride home just so I could be finished and done with it. I certainly didn’t want that hanging over my head all afternoon. My sister, on the other hand, would wait until right before bed and drag out the work, making it difficult for her to get up on time the next morning. I loved early mornings and still do. These opposing character traits are still with us today, although we both have edged closer to the middle way. It feels more balanced.

            So, whatever your leaning, just remember: Life is a dance—part choreography, part freestyle. Let’s enjoy both and hopefully live as balanced a life as we can. Perhaps I’ll see you around town as I seesaw between errands, work, and play.

Chi Varnado has four recently published books. The Old House in the Country, women’s fiction; and three YA novels in The Dance Centre Presents series. Her memoir, A CANYON TRILOGY: Life Before, During and After the Cedar Fire, and her children’s book, The Tale of Broken Tail, are also available on www.amazon.com. Her collection of essays, Quail Mutterings, can be found on www.chivarnado.com or www.dancecentrepresents.com. You can follow her on Instagram or on www.Facebook.com/dancecentrepresents.