Always Loved and Naturally Free

A few years ago, I drove from Flagstaff to Page, Arizona. It was 6:30 in the morning, quiet, and beautiful. Anyone who has driven in this area knows such drives can cleanse a person from any feelings of alienation given the unique natural surroundings. My route had no turns. It was literally one straight continuous non-stop drive of approximately 130 miles. I recall, the drive made me feel free. However, most of all, it made me feel accepted by nature. During drives like these, I felt most connected to the world. No human being had to signal, tell, or assure to me if I belonged fully or partially. I did not have to understand anyone and no one had to understand me. The context was much larger than any human being.

In the large vistas of nature, it is a given that everyone belongs. It is why when natural space is designed or experienced in mindful ways, it can be more profound than words. From then on, I thought closely about the everyday world I could create around my living and working space, including pictures, quotations, aromas, and music. I discovered, every time I emerged from this immediate space of belonging and peace, I could navigate through the world and all its absurdities in better ways. It did not solve all my problems. It helped me walk better through them.