Staying Nimble…

One of the reasons we, as in most of my friends, colleagues and families, live in Southern California is its weather, especially along the beach. It certainly is for me. It is the season we want to be outdoor enjoying the sunshine, nice breeze and many many great activities we love to do. My favorites are riding my bike to and along the beach and hiking. Now that I’m up in the mountains of Los Padres National Forest, I have abundant choices of wonderful trails to hike literally right in my backyard.

As I opened a photo exhibit (first in a few years!) in the local community gallery last weekend, I really wanted to invite people from the city to see my show. I thought that would make a perfect opportunity for y’all to come check out this community and the surrounding nature. We will still have a “(COVID-19 Responsible) Meet-the-Artists Reception” at the gallery with limited entrance and social distance on Saturday, July 11th. Yet, as we watch the news everyday (while I try to limit my exposure to news only to headlines), things seem to be more uncertain every day. As difficult and frustrating as it may be, we just have to stay flexible and open to ever-changing world conditions today.

Staying with what is ONE DAY AT A TIME is more beneficial today than ever. Yes, I would like to make plans for celebrations, for travels and for life in general. The more I try to hold onto any particular ideas for such plans, the more I would be disappointed. We don’t know how much longer we will have to endure this inconvenience, which is now the new normal, but I am here to say, “It’s like this” including the external circumstances that I can’t control and my internal response to what is. I feel hopeful to know that more and more people are turning to meditation in order to learn to navigate this current world. And that’s a good thing! The other thing I know for sure is that one day we will all get to look back and remember this extraordinary time of our lives with some good memories.