The Art of Sitting

It's probably the most under-rated activity: sitting.  And yet, there are benches in the darnedest places, so perhaps there are more people than just me who really appreciate a good sit.

I didn't realize just how wonderful a bench could be until I was on a trail in Maui that I could see would overlook the sea cliffs.  And then, to my delight, I spotted a bench perched on the cliff, awaiting me.  It was then that I realized the joy of sitting... Or at least the joy of anticipating sitting. 

I ran most of the trail to get to this destination.  (I'm not a runner, I just live in Colorado where the air is thin, so sea level oxygen makes me feel like Hercules.)  I thought at the time that maybe I'd write a book - kind of like the Bridges of Madison County... But this would be the Benches of Wherever I go...  Catchy title, eh?

I'd forgotten about my quest for great places to sit until I found myself near Castle Rock earlier this week, and caught a peak up at the bench situated on top of a hill where the wind whips through the trees.  This is a special place where trees have been planted just to catch the wind, and ribbons are tied on with wishes and prayers so that those blessings take flight into the air.  A make-shift prayer flag, customized by each visitor.  "You are loved. All is well," whispers a pink ribbon in the wind. "Forever..."  in blue. "I wish..." in white.  "...And joy." in orange. "Peace for..." in yellow.

Of course, the views are the best part of these lovely wooden beams on which to rest the bum.

The wishing trees aren't the only magic in this Colorado destination.  From the bench you can look down upon the labrynth.  An ancient form of walking meditation or prayer, the path weaves you in and then back out.  Minutes later I was walking the path myself, scattering sea shells as I went, intending nothing more than to get back to the ocean.  Hoping to use the physics of the world hating a vacuum, I got rid of my sea shells so that the universe would open up the opportunity for me to collect more!

While I'm landlocked in Colorado for the time being, I often think of the sea cliffs of Maui, where bohemith waves pound mercilessly at the black lava rock. And knowing that this exists in the world makes me profoundly grateful.

So I'll keep my eye out for these great places to sit, marked by benches that declare that it's been appreciated and sat upon by someone else who enjoys the art of just sitting.