Further Unhurrying

On the cusp of my move to live an even slower life in Mexico, I reflect on being a Midwest Yankee living in the U. S. South for the past six years. I have learned to speak more leisurely, less clipped. I have learned to ‘set’ on porches. To go for rides, omg, with no destination. And, to reach a destination by turning left or right as the mood dictates, because the mountain roads curve back on themselves. I can now talk around, to approach a conversation the way I learned to hike in the mountains, on switchbacks. And hammock time, oowee, I have learned to be cradled between trees and let my mind wander free and my guidance find me. To release my northern style confrontation with life and accept its gracious nurturing instead.

Fundamentally, I have learned to unhurry. And without having tasted this Southern pace, here in the mountains of western North Carolina, I might not be dreaming my next dream of living in Ajijic (Ah-he-heek’), Mexico— where I will slow all the way down to using my own two feet for errands, finally letting go of being tied to a car, oh yes! I am deeply grateful that the South has prepared this Yankee for my further unhurrying.

Many have asked me why, why this dream. I say things like, because my money will stretch and I can feel more middle class and less poor. I say because I have always loved Mexico. I say I’m going because my dear one called it quits in July and my heart is broken open, and it’s time. I say I am finished with Asheville and I can’t afford to live here anymore. And then my heart says something else. It says I’m going because I don’t know what will happen, and I actually like that. My friend Annie Filemyr says it sounds like I am following my true heart. And, she adds, what else but that is this great life about?

Here are some photos of Ajijic, population 9500, elevation 5000 feet above sea level.