There’s nothing like getting recharged in Ucluelet, a small seaside community on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
A Good Break From Writing
Robert and I went with friends to this lovely spot a few weeks ago, during a very rainy time. We stayed in a gem of a place, called Hidden Treasure on top of a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Somewhere in the far far distance was Japan. It was just what my mind and soul needed.
As a writer, I can plant myself in front of the computer and forget to get up to stretch my limbs and/or get a new perspective on whatever story I’m working on. A view of an endless ocean during a walk through an ancient forest clears the mind and inspires new thought.
Writing this, I realize I could easily have gone for a walk in our community. Campbell River has many beautiful trails and views of Discovery Passage, as well as other ocean vistas with white-capped mountains on its horizon. What made the trip special was the shared experience with good friends. We all need that social connection to thrive.
Support for the Wet’suwet’en Territory
Right now, my mind is also on the current state of affairs in Canada. We’ve had over a week of protests supporting the Wet’suwet’en people in northern British Columbia. It’s a complicated problem, exacerbated by the Indian Act, that placed indigenous people on reserves and made them accountable to the government. Colonialism at its finest. Fortunately, there are many non-indigenous people who understand the failure of our governments to provide equal services to all and the respect that all of us need and deserve.
Hopefully, our leaders will find a peaceful way to end these protests and put into action a system that acknowledges the need for full and open consultation with those who live on unceeded territories.
Imagine Working Together
I still think of that wonderful song John Lennon left us, Imagine. Our world is shrinking; we need to take care of one another. There is nothing like nature to show us the way if only we pay attention.
Wishing you some moments of reflection in nature, whether it’s in your backyard, a city park, or a stop by a waterway. The possibilities are endless.
Comments
What do you do to lift yourself up? A good book? Meditation? A cup of coffee with an old friend?
Now back to working on my sequel to Sunflowers Under Fire. It’s coming along, it’s coming along.
Ucluelet is one of those magical places. Glad to hear the new book is coming along.
Aren’t we lucky to live on the west coast? Hope your writing is going well, too. Still amazed at how you can write such a thrilling series.
Great post, Diana! Like you, getting out in nature is meditative for me. And especially having coffee with a good friend like you, which I’m looking forward to!
Thank you, Karen. Yes, looking forward to that as well. 🙂
Your coast is beautiful Ours is flat and plain but walking along on the beach on a sunny day can be good for the soul.
Absolutely. There’s something about water. Aren’t you lucky to live so close to a beach? Every coast has it’s own beauty. Your part of the world is a part I’d love to see but don’t know if I will.