Today is my birthday. I spent the morning walking to the top of Cusco so I can spend some time alone with myself and try to make some sense of the world in which I am situated. This is what I see...
I look down upon the occasional church steeple fighting for attention through the chaotically splayed orange and brown Spanish-styled rooftops. I look across at the vast mountains that stretch through entire countries. And I look up at the immensely terrifying storm sweeping over the mountain tops heading for me. The clouds are changing in color, height and weight as the thunder and lightening attack the serenity of the land. Its thrilling to be a witness to the power of nature at work amongst its own creation. The mountains remain tall, erect and poised as it absorbs the magnitude of the storm entering its territory. It welcomes the nourishment of its soul.
All around me wander hungry dogs and hungry children, fighting for the remains of the food in the garbage bins. But between them is an unspoken respect since they are both scavengers trying to survive this day, unwanted and unloved. And instead of fighting for the upper hand, they bow down to each other, symbolically. As is sit here writing this, a dog is walking my way. He stares at me and assesses the situation. Then he yawns and places himself 8 stone stairs away from me, laying down and giving me the space i crave right now.
The atmosphere is silent except for a low humming of salsa music coming from one of the nearby apartments and an occasional beep of a horn to urge the stranded dogs out of the street for passage. My hair is moving to the same ryhthym of the plants and shrubs taking u residence beside me and i see as the rain sweeps through the land causing a blur of pure energy and movement. what it leaves in its trace is stillness and sacred quiteness. The sky looks as though its falling under the weight of the clouds as it approaches me and now I must run to seek shelter. I understand that I am not as strong and steady as the mountains and I must be humble and respect my environment. What a wonderful day to feel life in movement.
