Ready for this year’s beginnings

CATHARINE COOPER

Latitude: 33-degrees North

Longitude: 117-degrees West Pacific Coast : rocky with sand covered beaches, dolphins, seals

and assorted sea birds. Beach strollers ply the coastline, sharing

their hunger for the shore.

Yes. Home.

The holiday season passes from one of animated anticipation to one

of rote cleanup and renewal. 2004 has opened her arms, and we are

firmly gripped by the calendar’s change. What can we bring to this

new year? What can we give that is of and beyond ourselves? To what

resolutions can we make a commitment?

Last year, I opened my life to the pursuit of greater

understanding and patience. As you might expect, I was put to the

test. Quick judgments were tossed to the mat. The concept of tight

scheduling was re-evaluated. What I believed to be true was replaced

by a hunger to know more of the underlying substance of both people

and events. I was forced to step beyond verisimilitude and search for

verity. The opportunity to integrate an altered perception continues

to challenge and reward my sensibilities.

This year, what to tackle? As usual, there is no linear path to

what my heart/mind decides to embrace. Rather, a trickle of an

intuitive sense slips through the conscious seams and whispers in the

back of my head.

Accuracy and speed are the words that have continued to play in my

psyche, and so, without further questioning, it is to these that I

will devote the calendar year. I laughed mightily when “speed” raised

her banner. Of course, on the heels of learning more patience, why

wouldn’t I want some tool to free myself from the constraints that

“waiting” had put upon me. Constant delays have sorely taxed my good

humor, but I have learned in the waiting to listen more clearly and

breath more softly.

So why “speed?” The dictionary offers several iterations, ranging

from what appears obvious, the ability to make something happen

sooner or more quickly, to the more rewarding definition, that of

causing prosperity, in both one’s own life, and that of others. Now,

who can argue with that?

A further, or more informal, definition expands the meaning of

speed to that of matching someone’s tastes, abilities or

inclinations. I can see that there is much work for me within this

arena.

As to accuracy, my intention is not as simplistic as balancing my

checkbook. Accuracy ties clearly to the heels of my previous search

for greater understanding. Are my perceptions accurate? Is what I

believe correct, truthful and precise? Is the information I have

and/or disseminate free from errors? Can I flesh out a method in my

own work that is more refined and clearly honed? What within this

framework can I utilize to enhance my imagery and writing? Accuracy

and truth tied together in the physical, emotional and spiritual

realm. I like this as a foundation for creation.

My co-columnist, Emma, cried “Oh, no ... not speed!” when I

announced my intentions. We tend to absorb each other’s resolutions

and were already panting on our morning jaunt to Seal Rock, jammed

with too much pre-holiday scurry to enjoy anything that resembled a

stroll. I tried to assure her that this did not mean cramming more

things into each day, but rather, a way of working, tied to accuracy,

which would insure more free time, and less time tying down loose

ends. I’m not sure she believed me. In any case, I can’t know the

outcome without embracing and trusting the process, so into the fray

I will have stepped.

For the New Year’s celebration, I am somewhere in Baja (some

places do need to remain secret), sequestered on a remote and lovely

beach, with friends Lynn, James, Emma, Mike and Steve. I’ve spent

days paddling the Sea of Cortez, waltzing with dolphins, Egret and

Osprey. Yes, I am an addict to the sea. My parents insured that when

they planted me in Laguna at age 8.

I wish all of you the prosperity buried within the definition of

speed, and full wishes for a spiritually rich and bountiful 2004.

* CATHARINE COOPER loves wild places. She can be reached at

ccooper@cooperdesign.net or 949 497-5081.