Gratitude Practice 2015 Day #7: "The Sacred Loop"

For close to twenty years, I have sought solace and refuge and peace as I have driven one particular stretch of road that I refer to as "The Loop." Like many, I consider the interior of my car as a sacred space and for years I have been working things out in my head and heart by grabbing my keys, sometimes my ipod and heading up Emigration Canyon. I drive and I drive and I drive and I think and I pray and I talk out loud as I round each curve sometimes I rage and sometimes I cry and sometimes I laugh and sometimes I remain completely silent. There are times when trusted family and friends act as co-pilots but mostly this is a solo experience. Hogle zoo. Ruth's Diner. Camp K. The weird abandoned baby blue bar/restaurant. The road to the fancy homes. Make a big right. Up the hill. Look at the city. Keep going. Sharp left. Watch out for bikers. Up. Up. Up. Open view. Waaaahhhhaaa! See the reservoir. Gaze at canyon. Count the stars. Down. Down. Down. Mountain brush. Curve to the right. Flower meadow. Big view point. Waaahhhaaa! Hang a left. Down. Down. Down. Steep hill. Decision point. Turn right. Green mountain. Water. Bridge. I-80. Fast. Fast. Fast. Parley/Foothill. Repeat until life makes sense again. I love this stretch of paved canyon. I love the view in the morning, noon and night. I love to see the seasons change as I look for certain colors to emerge in each distinct phase. For me, driving "The Loop '' is absolutely part of my personal self care routine and I'm so grateful to have it, and a safe vehicle to drive and the luxury of fuel and time. Today, I took a pass on the loop as, like so many, my head and heart are...heavy. Lots to consider. Even more to process. Grateful to have a method and proven practice when I can both wonder AND wrestle.

Today's drive, like many do, ended with a much calmer drive through the notable landmark Sugar House Park. The light was perfect and the trees were on fire with autumn colors. Could not help but pull over and take a few photos.