There is a lot going on these days. A lot of conflict and tribalism. A lot of separation and finger pointing. It is amazing what you hear when you stop to listen. Most people are optimistic. If you sit in a restaurant you hear laughter and boisterous conversations. Most people seem jovial and just happy to be out and about. There is a certain comfort in being out and about. It feels like life is progressing.
Most people are not wearing masks. Spending the weekend at Inn of the Mountain Gods in the forest of New Mexico - was very eye opening to me. It was loud in certain areas- mingling and upbeat conversations a buzz. There were quiet spots where people were gazing reflectively upon the lake, others where people were sitting in oversized chairs reading. It was a beautiful place to be. Boats or ziplining but also walks and horseback riding.
I sat quietly a lot. There was a forest fire, 1 of 4 locally here- you could smell the smoke. It gave me pause. It made me think about the homes, wild life, nature succumbing to the flames. I have never seen so many deer. I counted 50 at one time- lingering about the grounds, fleeing the fire. A helicopter came to the lake throughout the day filling a basket with water and then dropping it on the fire. It was a juxtaposition of loud and quiet, clean fresh mountain air and smoky billows. Laughter and reflection.
When you stop to think about things you allow your mind to wander. Your thoughts to trickle out and like a vine wrap around other ideas and motivations. I am motivated more now to write and read. To reflect and ponder. Back in the bustle of the city and classroom life- I am allowing moments to ponder- for that is my release, my escape. Amidst the laughter of students today, I can envision the lake, the billow of natures destruction- and I am thankful for what I have.
