Embracing the present in North Central Arizona
Our north central Arizona family visit was amazing and quite confusing at the same time. The beauty and the energy of the red rocks were capturing my eyes and my awe.
We enjoyed the art scene in Sedona and checked out the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. We drove to the Meteor Crater near Flagstaff and were fascinated by the large size of the vast cavity in the ground.
Strangely, I felt upset, but I couldn’t figure out what the problem was. Thoughts of death and dying, if such a size meteor or larger hit earth again and how we might all no longer be here, had affected me. I wondered how a meteor-hit from 50,000 years ago could raise such feelings.
But, there was more to it. It wasn’t just about life and death or the end of humanity. Seeing the unique beauty intermixed with the danger of what is beyond our control, made me realize how much I was missing in my ordinary days. All this available and unique beauty will be accessible to me for just a few days. I would get busy with work and day-to-day life and would not be able to ponder about the broader picture of life.
How could this be? Why couldn’t I explore all the time?
All these questions overwhelmed me and affected how I was experiencing the environment around me. I forgot about the present moment and focused on the lack rather than what was surrounding me.
We kept exploring and I eventually calmed down, enjoying the landscape and the family time. And I was glad I did, as being with my family was too precious of a time to lose sight of.
There were so many areas to explore and enjoy the beaty of the Sedona surroundings. A picturesque sunset behind the unique red mountains had an amazing calming effect.
I realized on that trip, that a change was necessary. There must not be such separation, so much to put aside and not address. The difference in what I thought and felt should not be limited to a few moments in life. I needed to be more in tune with my inner self, with my soul, with the universe.
Parto Dehdashti, PhD
Parto, a poet, painter, and photographer, immerses herself in mindful and spiritual spaces. Through her blogs and designs, she underscores the precious nature of everyday moments and the beauty that can be seen and felt all around us.
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Parto's Book: Seeking and Surrendering- Poetry on Soul, Self, and a Puzzling Life
