Wilderness Makes You Better

Sabbatical Week: Joshua Tree

Sunrise at Joshua Tree

I had a very productive "Buffer Week" (see this article on what that is) and gladly took some  time away from the computer for a brief respite at Joshua Tree the next week.  If you haven't been, I recommend you add this national park to your list.

I brought two journals - one with blank pages and the other called Steal Like An Artist Journal.  I found that I had less time than I expected to contemplate and could have easily stayed a few more days if it wasn't for the heat.  It was unseasonably cool but a sunny 80's was too much for my husky and me to relax in.

Fortunately there is no cell service once you step into the park - I still had devices for an audio book (currently listening to Start With Why) and my iPhone7 + Iris lenses for photos, but found it relaxing to not be obsessively looking at my phone - a habit I became even more aware of once returning to civilization.

On the way back home, I stopped by a few Desert X installations. The famed Mirage House was closed for the day unfortunately but checked out the Cinematic Billboards and The Circle of Land and Sky.

In summary, I recognized and envisioned some personal changes that I intend to manifest and am grateful for the space to contemplate such.  Wilderness makes you better.