A different type of blues
After a full day of driving from Eureka Springs, late yesterday I made it to Memphis. It was a long journey but a much needed stop had to be made. I stopped at Pedestal Rocks in the Ozarks for a hike. It was a magnificent hike full of exploring rocks, caves and watching icicles melt from the rooftops. Ziggy very much needed the extra exercise! I loved watching my nature boy be in his element. He loves hiking as much as I do. But this allowed me to put him on the bed and drive another four hours straight to Memphis. We settled at a campground by the Mississippi river. I was very frustrated and tired when we arrived. It was late, dark and cold. I found one campsite that was not in the best location for us. Cell phone reception and internet was terrible as well. This was a true test of patience. I kept saying to myself, if I can only survive and get rest tonight, tomorrow I will figure out everything else.
Part of this journey for me is to truly test my limits of patience and tame my anxiety. It constantly tells me that I need to think of the next step, the next move, the next destination. It likes to be in control. And if I don’t have everything figured out right away, it is hard for my brain to shut off. Last night I won over. Maybe it was the exhaustion from driving, but I managed to fall and stay asleep.
This morning Ziggy and I were greeted by the most gorgeous sunrise on the river. I knew that things would turn around. I started the day by attending my services at my local Temple Buddhist Center. The talk was so so timely and spoke about self compassion. The three steps are to first recognize when we go into shame spirals, then send loving kindness and soothe our worries, fears, doubts and finally acknowledge the suffering of all humanity. I was so comforted by reconnecting with my sangha as well.
Afterwards the day seemed to develop so swimmingly. I was able to move to a much better spot closer to the river where I have better cell phone reception. I tested out my internet. I then got some groceries and took Ziggy to a local dog park to get all his energy out. He really enjoyed being off leash and playing with other dogs.
What followed was a trip to Graceland, then some great Italian pizza close to downtown and a walk down the famous street of the Blues, Beale street. I was very excited when I saw a local record store. I spoke to the clerk and asked her if she can recommend a record of a local artist. I got one with what I heard some great Blues music and am so excited to listen to it when I return.
Overall I still feel some anxiousness as I travel, but I am getting better at recognizing when it’s uncalled for and proceeding with learning how to be more present and make the best out of the day. Here are some photos from the daily Memphis tour.
