Might we be getting too complacent as we inhabit our house, hang out at our usual venues, and socialize only with our core group of friends? Do we take the extra step to ask the person behind us in line about how their day is going? Or listen attentively to an opposing viewpoint in case we may learn something? Our world view can shrink to our own surroundings if we let it. What if our minds could be less hardened and more open to change? Besides possibly expanding our insights, I think it’s just more fun. Real creative banter, where we let go of our personal beliefs and biases, can be freeing as well as enlightening.
Last week we visited relatives on the east coast. During a conversation, Cousin Jay said something which made Kent and I furrow our brows in confusion when he came to a conclusion that neither of us could make sense of. I can’t remember now what the topic was, but in further discussion we discovered that it was simply either one word left out or one put in by accident that completely changed his intended meaning. It can be a little like the game of Telephone in which a simple phrase is whispered around a circle and the last person shares what it is. It’s often completely changed from the original words. This happens all the time, and even more so in texts or social media. We go off on something before taking the time to reflect on the fact that we could be getting it wrong.
Traveling from Virginia to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts – with other states in between, I once again marveled how lush and green it is back there, with flowers everywhere you look. This year, it is also quite green here as well, thanks to all the extra rain we’ve received. But there, they have to mow every week, through spring, summer and fall. We have a lot more weed whacking to do right now, but our rains generally don’t last through the summer so the chore doesn’t continue.
It also struck me how much bigger most of the houses are there. Three or four stories tall with a necessary sump pump in the basement. And, again, I couldn’t help but notice all the added utility use and waste this often promotes. Up and down the stairs between the levels, leaving a light on here and there, and the heater going in unused rooms. More bathrooms to maintain (or not) so the likelihood of undetected drips increases… I suppose it might be overwhelming to live as sustainably as possible when your footprint is so massive. And there I go again with my own biases…
Our familiarity and comfort zone can begin to shrink as we shelter in place. For me as well. Leaving home is difficult, especially when you have animals, plants to water, a ranch to care for and a young dog. Finally, when all was set for us to be gone for nine days, we departed. It was great to see my husband’s relatives again and catch up with everyone, after not seeing most of them for many years. Two of them had dogs, which I found comfort in. A natural bond forming within my canine comfort zone.
As I digress, my thoughts turn from differing viewpoints of people to seemingly opposite tendencies within an individual. Take me, for example. Brought up with the extreme structure of classical music and ballet, I’ve always embraced the required perseverance and training of body, mind and spirit that this life entails. However, either because of, or in spite of this, my other self constantly questions authority. Even as a kid, I was encouraged to do so. Does this mean I have a Jekyll and Hyde personality or am I simply a more balanced person? Of course, I believe it’s the latter. After all, I at least harbor some self-preservation traits. Whew.
Part of my self-preservation is to go outside in nature every day, often many times (or stay out there all day). We returned from our trip to see the creek still running; and seep monkey flowers, curly dock, owl’s clover and penstemon blooming in profusion. The poorwill still sings at night and the owl calls echo through the canyon. It’s good to be home.
It’s also good to come back to the shelter of our town with all the beautiful wineries and the wonderful music that we can immerse ourselves in. And the many hiking trails, farm stands, social events… This is our community. Our shelter. But we all need a little shake up sometimes, don’t you think?
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.