I had a realization while I was in Hawaii this past week. That was
that my trips to Hawaii have been incredibly rejuvenating, relaxing,
and therapeutic. Therapeutic for the soul, even. While there, I am
in such a different environment than I am typically used to, and
besides being different, the environment is soothing– the blue-green
ocean with it’s crashing waves, the clear blue sky, the lush green
landscape, the warmth of coral sand, blooming tropical flora, magical
sunsets, the list goes on. Even overcast skies have their own beauty
in Hawaii, it seems.
Having some distance from normal life in such an environment– one
where it’s so easy to be close to nature– seems to allow me to step
back, refocus, mediate, and relax. Perhaps I can learn to do this (at
least partially) without having to fly several thousand miles or
without taking two weeks off of work, but all I can say is that it was
worth it. For one who used to view vacations / travel as a waste of
money when so many toys could be had for the same money, it’s a minor
miracle for me to say something like that =)
On the trip back, I didn’t dread returning to work, I didn’t feel like
the vacation passed too quickly or left me wanting. Instead I feel
satisfied, relaxed, and a bit more balanced than before (and maybe a
little tan, hehe). The trip was, for me, a perfect combination of fun
and relaxation.
Hawaii may not be the only place one can experience such rejuvenation,
but I think I understand now why some of my sisters would call it
their “happy place”. I do plan to do a write-up of the trip and post
more pictures as I took plenty, but I may not have time to sort
through them this weekend. Kato is leaving on her mission this coming
Wednesday (!!), so there’s going to be a lot going on I’m sure– but
things should cool down soon.
Comments
9 responses to “Home again”
oh, man, such a beautiful, relaxing place. cool pic, BTW. i look forward to your write-up.
Thanks 🙂 Took that while we were walking along the shore looking for any evidence of LOST filming 😉 I still need to watch this week’s episode…
maybe i will do to celebrate getting my masters in 2 years. you available to baby sit?
CRAP. maybe i will GO (to hawaii)… not do.
Hey! Matt and I are hoping to move back. You’ll be welcome at our house anytime!
Mike, I like how you titled this post ‘Home Again’ – because going back there really does feel like going home, doesn’t it? It’s crazy… we’ve never lived there, only visited a few times, but wow. It’s such a relief to go, isn’t it? I can’t wait to go again next year! 🙂
Heehee…when I read Mel’s comment, I thought, “No…he means he’s home again in Utah.” But then I thought about it, and it was kind of a cool double meaning. Home again in Hawaii…home again in Utah…
I like thinking about the concept of home and travel. That’s a non-fiction essay I would like to write someday.
Ah, interpretation. Isn’t it great?
Hawaii is for sucks – and you suck because you’ve gone there multiple times. jerk! I’ve never been. I want I want I want, I need, I need . . .