I used to be going to write down a snarky column a few sure PAC attempting to achieve credibility because the protectors of Laguna by claiming to have saved the Canyon from improvement 33 years in the past, regardless of being birthed simply three years in the past. However then I used to be descending the steps on the Montage on a phenomenal morning, heading to donation-based yoga within the park, when all that noise in my head merely washed away. And as I bent this beat-up physique to my trainer’s exhortations to “breathe, Tight Man” (sure that’s my well-earned moniker), I sank into a pleasant stupor of gratitude over my success to be right here—on this very second, amidst the swaying palms, crashing waves, briny sea breeze, melodic birds, unique succulents, and the cheer of households strolling by on their option to the seashore, all on the land the God blessed with essentially the most excellent local weather within the universe. How may I presumably dispense any outrage in direction of something or anybody once I was the luckiest man on earth?
Simply breathe, man, and be current to all of the items round you.
I spent the primary half of summer time in Europe. Spain, Norway and England, to be exact. It’s fairly epic over there. Nothing like swimming within the calm, clear, heat Med, or consuming paella within the sand, washed down by a fruity Sangria. In Norway, I encountered mind-boggling verdant waterfalls, welcoming individuals, and a cashless society. I entered the nation with $300 in Kroners, and left with the identical quantity. Each service provider has a cell chip reader—even the road buskers. I additionally noticed extra electrical automobiles than wherever I’ve ever been, even if Norway exports 10 occasions extra oil than they use. They’re severe about local weather change, incentivizing their residents to go electrical, with the objective that salmon farming overtakes oil as their greatest trade. After all, London is London, a civilized, multi-cultural New York. The Bobbies don’t carry weapons. Younger individuals are out in all places, having a grand time. Brexit hasn’t dimmed its vibrancy. And nonetheless, it was noisy and unseasonably scorching and chaotic and I couldn’t wait to get house to Laguna.
As the remainder of the planet melts, with temperatures in Northern California final week reaching as excessive as 115 levels, we proceed to get pleasure from an countless string of mid-70’s, partially cloudy days. Often known as “perfection.” And for these of you bemoaning the dearth of solar this summer time, simply make a journey inland and you’ll hurry proper again to salvation.
These of us who typically dwell on the unfavorable simply have to get out extra. Our wonderful artwork and music festivals are in full swing once more, showcasing what number of residents make a dwelling by their creativity. Music is in all places—a lot of it free—on the festivals, bars, eating places, the Promenade, the mighty Laguna Seashore Cultural Arts Heart (try Beth Woods’ songwriter showcase on the primary Tuesday of the month), and even in neighborhoods like Bluebird Canyon, with their annual summer time pageant final weekend. After which there’s music in Bluebird Park, second solely to Hospitality Night time and Sawdust opening night time because the place to fulfill everybody on the town, dance to nice music, and joyously have fun how distant the troubles of the world appear.
That wonderful Pacific Ocean deserves a lot of the credit score. Not solely is it hypnotic in its magnificence and energy, it’s additionally our large pure air conditioner. Our water has been hovering round a scrumptious 70 levels, it’s crystal clear with considerable sea life (I even noticed white sea bass near shore), and even the mighty swells are lastly awakening. Or take a hike and revel in our stunning however parched coastal sage scrub. If you happen to time it proper, you’ll be able to see the solar set and moon rise, as I did on a latest night time with my yoga teacher as she led a hike to a summit and gently bathed us in Tibetan bowl sound vibrations. Is that this a dream?
Or try the monster mash often known as the Laguna Seashore Full Moon Drum Circle, now coming into its twentieth season, delighting individuals younger and previous and from close to and much with essentially the most epic free taking place in Laguna. Subsequent one is at 7 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Aliso Seashore. Get there early as summer time months are crowded. Carry a blanket, a picnic, and the entire household. Higher but, be part of the percussion neighborhood by bringing an instrument and a few wooden for the fireplace.
Then when the grooves kick in and you’ll’t cease your booty from shaking, take a second to note the moonlight glistening on the ocean, the waves crashing on the sand, Laguna’s glittering shoreline to the north, and the utter state of bliss engulfing the multigenerational drummers and dancers. And also you’ll know, in that second, regardless of the rancor over the way forward for our planet and city, every thing is ideal.
By practising mindfulness and presence with every thing Laguna items us, you’ll fall in love day-after-day, once more.
Billy hosts Laguna Talks on Thursday nights on KXFM radio. He’s additionally the CEO of La Vida Laguna, an E-bike and ocean sports activities tour firm. Electronic mail: [email protected]
