Open Spaces Chris' Journal, August 5, 1998 There's something about the open spaces of the West that lets the stress just drain out of you and disperse into the nothingness all around. Perhaps its the trees, or the air, or the wide expanse of land. It feeds the soul, gives it room for airing out its dirty laundry, room to beat off the dust in a way that it doesn't just jump to someone else and cling the them. In the city there is an urgency that doesn't exist out here. Everyone passes their days with a spring that slowly coils tighter and tighter, waiting for a moment to unwind itself to start again. The close proximity, the constant interaction, creates and ebb and flow of nervous energy between people. This energy can lead to great things: high production, rapid growth of new ideas. But it can also create a well of stress that bounces from person to person. Here in Big Sky country and the open fields of the MidWest, the bounce is too great between people to keep up enough energy. It seems to die out before it has a chance to effect others or reach critical mass in the individual. The coil unwinds, the mind and muscles relax. I'm enjoying the long days and quite nights here in the open. © Chris Moeller, 1998 BACK TO TOP The Quest | Insights & Inspirations | Our Journey | Community | Home Have questions or comments? Please email us at pathfinder@quest-4.com