Oasis

Today my oasis was Lake Michigan. For thirty minutes, all I did was absorb the colors of the water and sky. Cerulean, charcoal, slate, gunmetal. In the midst of conference, politial, work, and family chaos, I had a small amount of uninterrupted peace. I didn’t think. I just watched the water touch the sky.

For thirty minutes I had perfect neutrality. No conversation. Neither hot or cold. No pressure to complete any task. I couldn’t even tell you if I was breathing. I paid no attention to time. I felt as if I was in stasis. I didn’t fidget. I wasn’t bored, nor was I interested. Within this tiny oasis, I only existed. For much of it, I didn’t have any drifting thoughts. No observations of those around me. No anticipation of the next objective or lists of work to do. No internal dialog or imaginary rants. It was a strange peace, especially for me.

Eventually, thoughts drifted in. Quietly. Gently. I took passive dictation: a clear list of priorities and a desire to direct myself to deep work. That is all. I picked up my water glass and headed back to the floor. Ready to answer questions for the rest of the afternoon.