Transitions

I am thinking about "trans itions" tonight as I head into the last few days as a pro fessional wanderer. It seems there is always an edginess to these times of change, moving from one activity to another. The transition can be as simple as turning off the television or getting up from the dinner table. There is that feeling of "what next". Or our transition might be as final as our last breath in this life. In truth we are always moving into the next unknown moment.

And if we pause we will find the space between one activity and the next. Do we notice it? Do we contemplate it? Do we approach it with awareness? Or are we drawn by discomfort and fear into some habitual reaction or self comforting behaviour? Do we slide into the next moment without noticing? Whoops how did I get here?

These times of subtle or major changes are opportunities. We can make our choices with awareness and care or we can slide or grab or float into the next phase of the day, of our life. Transitions can be fraught with danger and are always filled with possibility. And one time we notice, the next time we don't.

So the me of the sense world is cramming in every last drop of Portlandian goodness before I return to a quieter life. I have had coffee and a treat at Sweet Pea's vegan bakery and checked out the shelves of "Food Fight" the vegan grocery store next door. I have discovered the delicious Townshends Kombucha and visited the brimming shelves of Powell's Bookstore and been tickled by the eclectic art supplies at "Collage" on Alberta St. I have admired Portland's ability to mix wonderful modern architecture with an eclectic mix of old. I love the little neighbourhoods with high streets of shops and restaurants that thrive here. There is a creative, vibrant heart to this city. I imagine that everybody here has their finger in some creative pot, owns a mac and never eats at home.

And as I plan the last list of things to see and do I also look forward to unpacking the car, moving into a new place to live and a life that doesn't consist of getting in the car every few days and driving for hours. And I know that with the transition there will be some sense of antsyness when the movement stops, that feeling of being a bit lost, of trying to figure out what to do next. There will be the urge to comfort myself with some habitual behaviour rather than to feel the discomfort of the transition. At least that is what I imagine as I get ready to move into the next part of my life.