Writing, Qi Gong, and wildlife.
It’s been just about a year since we made our official move to Cleveland, and it feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago. Though it took a while to settle in, I have found small and lovely pockets of tranquility here, and am content knowing that this is my path for now. The move was always about being closer to family and having space for our little one, but I’ve also found an amazing synergy here with all of my creative, spiritual, and personal interests. Writing, qi gong, art making, wildlife observation, and connecting with family and friends have all come together so naturally here that at times, I almost forget how much I still miss NYC.
My writing has taken a front seat to other creative pursuits as my closer connection to nature, both physically and spiritually, has inspired all sorts of stories. I love imagining the magical worlds seen and unseen, lurking just beneath the surface of the earth, along the banks of our creek or pond, and high above the trees. Though I no longer have bustling cafes where I write and edit, I’ve found that bucolic scenery offers a brand new window of inspiration. There are imagined conversations between baby groundhogs and white tailed deer, against backdrops of trees with magical leaves. And just when I’m getting a little too precious with my images, that snarky dialogue always finds its way into the mix. Nature is hilarious if you listen hard enough.
In addition to listening and writing, I’ve also really enjoyed leading Qi Gong practice on Zoom with my small, dedicated group. It’s so lovely to feel like I can help others connect to themselves and to nature, and it also helps me deepen my own practice. It’s amazing how many other Qi Gong teachers have opened themselves to teaching online. Over the past year, I’ve been lucky enough to practice with Master Zhongxian Wu, Mimi Kuo-Deemer, and Thomas Droge, despite living on the other side of the world. Sometimes I fear that technology pushes me too far away from nature, but in times like these I’m reminded that it’s also a powerful tool that can bring me closer. And yet, I’m looking forward to the day when I can finally practice and teach others in person! Our new home has a pond, and I cannot wait to reach out to our new neighbors, and offer classes alongside the turtles, baby ducklings, and our resident blue heron.
Finally, though I haven’t been posting all of my work to instagram, I have continued working on my ephemeral art, leaving works for the animals lucky enough to wander past. Pretty sure I saw a groundhog decimate a dandelion and violet heart in our backyard not too long ago.
I’m so delighted to be living in this completely novel environment where my neighbors are baby ducklings and groundhogs, and where inspiration is everywhere I look. But no doubt it’s different from NYC, and I’ll be returning twice this summer, just to see my old friend. There may be plenty of deer and squirrels here, and even some first class art museums and culture, but there aren’t any loud sidewalk cafes, 20 block street fairs, stilt walkers, random naked people, french fry eating rats, floating gardens or underground subway systems for miles. So I’ll still be back to visit NYC- early and often. You can bet on it.
