Today’s post covers the final stories of my journey of soul care, the lessons I learned on a recent road trip to Tucson. If you missed parts 1 or 2, catch up here: https://bit.ly/2DHtDjv and here: https://bit.ly/2GvsmQo
On Day 3 in Tucson I joined Kevin to take in some of the gem and mineral show. We headed for a particular venue he wanted to see, and found ourselves instead at an African Art Village. Though not what Kevin was looking for, I was thrilled! Various vendors had gorgeous handmade baskets for sale, and I bought several. I also found one woman selling colorful African fabric, the kind the African women who attend the refugee sewing group love. It wasn’t cheap, but Kevin agreed that I should buy some for the group. I explained to the vendor what it was for, and she worked with me on a price. The lessons: Embrace the gift of a beautiful surprise, even if it’s not what you were originally looking for. Be generous when you can, to yourself and to others.
We eventually did find the mineral venue we had originally set out for, only a block away from the African market. In the early afternoon I left Kevin there while I set out to visit a botanical garden. However, the expected morning rain had held off and brought afternoon showers instead. I was exhausted, so I drove right past the gardens and back to the hotel, where I took an afternoon nap. The lesson: We can’t do everything. Sometimes it’s more important to rest than to act. Be gentle with yourself.
On Day 4 I visited the Misión San Xavier del Bac, a Catholic mission church on the Tohono O’odham Reservation. The church is fascinating and offers numerous subjects for photography. After exploring the outdoors, the indoors, and the chapel, I decided to take a look at the “museum,” which turned out to be a small dingy room with newspaper clippings adorning the walls. The real jewel lay beyond the museum: the picturesque courtyard behind. It seemed that the only way tourists had to access the courtyard view was by going through the museum. Yet the courtyard is where I found the most beauty and peace. The lesson: In soul care it is in going deep into the interior, to the hidden places, where we find beauty and peace. Sometimes we have to go through ugly things in order to get there.
Even though we spent most of our days in Tucson doing separate things, Kevin and I always ate dinner together. The most delicious meals we enjoyed were at restaurants recommended by my friend who lived in Tucson for ten years. The lesson: Seek advice from others who have gone before you. Learn from their experience, and enjoy the results!
Though we had traveled the interstates to get to Tucson, Kevin and I decided to take the roads less traveled for our return trip. This resulted in passing through miles of beautiful old-growth saguaro cacti, and stumbling on a gorgeous canyon carved through the mountains by I don’t know what river. We were amazed by the secret beauty that was all around us. The lesson: If you want to go fast, you won’t see much. If you want to enjoy the beauty, the journey will take longer.
We began our final day of travel by visiting Petroglyph National Monument. When we first started hiking the trail, we were scouring the rocks for petroglyphs, wondering where they all were. I had no sooner remarked to Kevin that we would probably turn a corner and see hundreds of them, than that’s what happened. The lesson: Don’t look too hard for something that obviously isn’t there. Sometimes the signs will be clear and obvious.
In northern new Mexico we encountered a dust storm! I’ve seen dust storms in Mongolia, and Kevin has in the Middle East, but neither of us had ever experienced one in the U.S. We tried to outrun the storm to no avail. So we pulled off the road and shut off the truck to protect the engine and other internal parts and we waited out the storm. The lesson: Don’t be surprised if you encounter storms of any kind soon after a period of soul care. Practice what you’ve learned, hunker down, and protect your heart. This too shall pass.
Throughout this entire journey, I found myself making notes about what I was learning. I knew that with so much sensory input and so many lessons, I would otherwise forget. The lessons: Be attentive. Look and listen for what may be below the surface. Keep a journal if you find it helpful for remembering, processing, or releasing your thoughts. If you don’t find it helpful, don’t do it. And don’t be so caught up with the journaling that you miss the experience itself.
I never did get to visit the Tohono Chul Gardens, Sabino Canyon, or the Holy Trinity Monastery, all of which were on my wish list. These visits remain for another trip to Tucson, something to which I can look forward. The lesson: You can only do just so much. Enjoy it. Don’t be disappointed that some things must be revisited. Instead, look forward to your next adventures.
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