V A V A Adventures

Silence

Of the many ways in which Ojai puts me in the zone, the stillness that pervades the valley has an unspeakable effect on me. The stillness of Ojai is "active" -- see this earlier post for what I mean. The trees sway in the breeze with a rhythm, the busy noises of a city disappear and are replaced by birds chirping or leaves rustling, the stars dot the sky and are so clear, you can actually see them twinkling. 

In this stillness, I find myself seeking silence. On our morning hike today, I lead the pack with silence. I had no desire to speak and little to even think. When I did think, I found myself drawn to creative visions, flashes of clarity. 

This afternoon, we played in the city's park. In the midst of all the bustle, I still sought silence. I was happy to run, to smile and then to take a little walk to the quietest corners of the park.

There's something very grounding about Ojai's stillness. I appreciate how it makes me silent.

My place

Have you ever heard the phrase, "a sense of place?" I had. I thought I understood it until now. Now, I really get it. Or, so I think for something tells me that in the days to come I will only learn more about it. I have a sense of my place on this planet when I am in Ojai. I can't even begin to describe it.

Its the sunshine, the blue sky, the Topa Topa mountains, the pink sunsets, the smell of oranges and sage that fills the air, the silence, the sway of pepper trees, the sun shining on ancient oaks. In Ojai, I have no agenda. I am here just to be here. I have nowhere to get to, nothing I must do and yet, this is where I am most generative, full of ideas, ready to hike two hours only to come down and write the vision for a new venture. Its all so easy. Ojai, puts me in the zone! Life feels like its full of possibilities and the worries that drain me back home seems to float away here.

I know it sounds romantic. It really is!

As I close my eyes on our first day here, I am struck by ...

... the smell of pepper in the breeze by the pepper trees
... dappled sunshine that colored our morning hike
... the song of waves as they washed over piles of small rocks on their way back into the ocean
... blushing mountains bathed by setting sun

Would it all feel the same if I lived here for good? I don't know and I am not about to find out. So, here's to a much cherished vacation and the few days ahead of us!