To be or not to be

That is the question... Knowing that I will most likely only be in Taos for 6months (maybe at most 9 months) do I focus some energy on establishing connections with others or stay anonymous? The ambivalence has been floating in the air since I arrived - partly because it takes energy to establish new relationships - not only with people but also with banks, post offices, the library, retail stores, navigating streets, short cuts and the list could go on and on. It has taken alot longer and alot more resources to settle in than I anticipated.... I've learned that I have to have a kitchen that has at least a modicum of equipment - I don't think I can last for 6 months without at least one cookie sheet, a pie pan, rolling pin (even the cheap walmart kind)or pastry blender. I know, I know that seems excessive except my inner self told me that that's what she needs to feel at home in the kitchen. Cooking/baking is therapeutic for me and without decent equipment it only leads to continual frustration. So despite the expense I have succumbed to financing one of the ultimate big box stores, Walmart, (of course it is the only big box store in Taos)and can't count the number of trips I've made there since my arrival 3 weeks ago.

Today I attended a Unity church service - it was located in the large reading room of the Chamisa High School (a private charter school). There were about 25 people in attendance and I found it welcoming and warm. Interestingly most of the folks (actually everyone except one) was in the age range of 50 - 75; I don't know what that means - do they go to the UU church in Ranchos de Taos or one of the many Buddhist meditation groups? The service was much less Christcentric than what I had experienced at Unity Village; in fact one of things that attracted me was the fact that the central table (aka altar) had a picture of different avatars on it - Christ, Buddha, Krishna and Quan Yin and above the table there were prayer flags hanging from the ceiling that had the symbolism of 8 of the major religions. Additionally several of the songs sung were from Karen Drucker and Shaina Noll - 2 songwriters that I admire.

I'm working on attracting the perfect writing support group while I'm here and I saw a notice in the weekly newspaper that a nearby town (Questa) offers a free (or sliding scale/donation - whatever folks can afford)natural healthcare clinic (acupuncture, massage, nutritional consultation, etc)once a month and are open to volunteer practitioners - my intention is to call and offer Reiki treatments on a complimentary basis.

I guess it's not in my nature to be a hermit - even though I enjoy and need solitude/quiet on a regular basis. So it seems I will become connected in Taos despite my temporary residence - it will require effort - given my introverted nature but hopefully it will pay off in the long run - as independent as I am I do enjoy the stimulation of conversation with others, the opportunity for idea exchange and the warmth of human contact.