re-orientation

April 13, 2022

first impressions of the beach
hypnotizing
the constant flow
freedom to be free
crashing into me
ocean waves
overwhelming

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I’ve learned that when I reach a certain state of present moment living — I will connect with the truest version of myself — a voice that sounds like mine completely, a routine that feels like mine, a pattern of living that flows naturally without much resistance. It’s like the river flowing after the rain or the tides moving in.

Recently, I stayed on the Gulf Coast. It was a pale slate of colors. Light tan sand and blue ocean waves— and blue sky— never ending for days. All of the other colors washed away and life was simple and slow. Easy to move moment by moment.

When I started driving north, I watched the land around me change. I noticed the muted colors beginning to turn bright green. Instead of water coming and going, the water was flowing downstream. Shades of pink and purple emerging from redbud trees. Daffodils bursting. Spring bursting with life was just beginning as I was driving.

I have noticed that when I travel, it all comes easy. But, it throws you off other people’s timelines completely. This can make it a little disorienting when I find myself moving along with the pace of others again. I notice things differently. I realize how slowly I have started moving. It takes me a few moments or days or weeks to get used to everything again. It comes after days and days of feeling wild and free. Making my own decisions. Never standing in a line. Sleeping without walls. Putting my trust in strangers. Delaying showers. Rising with the sun.

It is a good practice for me —to be traveling. But, I have to remember to be patient while re-orienting.