Looking and not finding, and on finding when not looking
December 21st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I met a photographer who I respect and admire for coffee the other day. I assumed we’d have the chance to discuss work, projects, you know, photography things. But nothing of the sort happened. Instead, we got into an in depth conversation about life. It was completely off the map, and the best part was that it was totally refreshing and completely satisfying. What’s more, is that the rest of my day took the same direction. I was on a mission to finish my holiday shopping and had a list of specific items to get, and I knew exactly where to get them. In my mind there were no alternatives. I had a plan. I had my route mapped out completely but on my way to one store in particular, I took a wrong turn got confused and spotted a store I hadn’t seen before and ventured inside. Not only did I find a better gift than the one I had in mind, but I found 2 and as a bonus, had an interesting 20 minute conversation with the girl at the register who is a painter. That’s twice in one day. Totally unexpected, completely satisfying.
What became apparent to me was that I had unconsciously let go of this “set” mindset of what my plan and mission was. I had specific things to accomplish all the same, but ended up taking a totally different route getting there. It was a much more serendipitous day, which made it that much more enjoyable, and the list was no longer a chore. Rather than have tension accompany me on accomplishing my “to do” list, it just all sort of took care of itself seamlessly. Things just fell into place. When you have the ability to let go and be open to other alternatives, things just show up. When you’re locked into that tight mindset, you miss things. Wonderfully interesting things. And those things are always there. It’s just that more often than not, we’re not.
Window Seat
September 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I usually always try and get a window seat. I’ve had too many a drink cart ram into me in the aisle seat, and with a window I feel it gives me the most options. I can sleep, or look out at the landscape. Back in the day, I used to fly constantly and to this day I am enthralled at the visions I have seen outside of an airplane window. Dramatic changes in terrain, beautiful etherial cloud formations. Completely round rainbows. The patterns on our planet’s surface cease to amaze me and I’m forever mesmerized by the fresh perspective.
48 hours
September 27th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I was in Santa Fe for a workshop/review for literally 48 hrs and all I had was my iphone. I walked from the retreat center where I was staying into town. I was told it was too far to walk but being a New Yorker, where all we do is walk, I scoffed at the notion and set out without breakfast and water. (at 7100 ft above sea level) It was farther than I thought and I began to have my doubts. It was early in the morning but even then the sun is harsh and bright. I made it into town, had breakfast and got water. I walked back a little after noon when the sun was high in the sky. I felt like I was in a western Cloudless sky, sun beating down on you. I found out later that the only other person who also took this route was the other New Yorker. Makes you wonder…
