Silence

Lately, to clear my head, I've embarked upon a silence fast...meaning, in my car, instead of listening to a CD I've heard a thousand times, or flipping back and forth between radio stations with disatistfaction, I instead endure silence. I like it. I find myself really wanting to escape into music when I'm running late or anxious, but that usually ends up being when the silence is most needed. I feel like i've been a lot more mindful lately. And I'm sure paying a lot more attention to that God in my life, good ol' what's-his-name who is so lenient towards me. Really, I find I praise more, and pray more, and am calmer in general.

As refreshing as it's been , I can't wait to start listening to music again, starting early on Saturday morning when I leave for the great Northern valley of Yosemite. yup, again. But this time, oh, this time, I am taking the Tioga pass through the high country of Toulomne. Oh, beauty, beauty sings my heart! I'll power up the 395, past lakes and meadows and mountains to Lee Vining, and then cut over on the 120 to Toulomne. I've only taken this way once before, and it was years ago. Oh, it will be beautiful, most likely, awash in fall colors and all poetics will simply sit back in hushed wonder in my soul and maybe the need for constantly putting words to experience will mellow out in the backseat as a contented passenger. Sometimes my mind is so occupied by finding words.

I'm really looking forward to the drive. David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tom Petty, Natalie Merchant, Bach, Jack Johnson and maybe Janis Joplin will all be crowding in with me. But... no friends :< I'm kind of looking forward to the freedom of being the lone chooser...but I'm kind of dreading it too. I like traveling with people. I don't mind being by myself - I can do it. I'm pretty capable. I wasn't worried about this last time I went solo, but what if I get in a situation that's over my head? Nothing will happen to me outside of God's will though - that is my confidence. My prayer is that it all goes smoothly along without a hitch, but we'll see if that's what God wants it to be too. He may have me bumming rides off strangers and wrestling with bears and hiding in the forest at night. Hopefully he will have a spot waiting for me at the walk in campground in the valley. I may throw in my backpacking gear just in case there's no room in the inn...