The Universal Music of Escapism

In my head, I live in a climate-controlled environment surrounded by majestic mountains and sand filled deserts. The hot sun warms but does not burn my skin or cause me to sweat. In this microcosm of my creation, humidity exists, and the landscape is green and luscious. By the miracle of my own creation, knees, hips and other joints escape the aches, pains and pangs of getting older.

In this wondrous place, the soil is forever impregnated with nutritious foods and the trees bare delicious fruits. Inhabitants greet one another with genuine smiles and salutations. In this place, language is like music, universal. 

The differences from one person to the other inspire dialogue and spark conversations into the late hours of the night. The breeze and winds are the carriers of news and innovation from one town to the next.

The landscape is dotted with dwellings synonymous with the land, unobtrusive. The sky is wide open as far as the eye can see and every opportunity to feel small, insignificant and grateful is supplied. The earth and its waters, purified.

Here, the elderly are revered, illness is treated in mind, body, and spirit and everyone lends a helping hand, a listening ear, a kind word or warm embrace. In this dreamscape, collaboration and mutual respect are inherent.

In this land, the heart and the soul and the dreams and the hopes of the people are holy. On this soil, a voice for the voiceless always comes forth and is witnessed – no one is dismissed.

On this ground, the steps of its inhabitants are cautious and reverent. Trees sway, sing, bow, wither and die with dignity.

These days, I find myself enjoying escapism more than ever before. There is a sense of walking a tightrope with peril, within eye’s view, and it is scary.  

There is a demand to curtail our enthusiasm and audacity. The call to exist in a state of combativeness and competition is blasting into the airwaves and diminishing our authenticity. The best that we can do is live brightly, in community with one another.

If this is not within reach at the moment, then escape. The wonderment of imagination is cooling, healing and freeing. Outside of the harsh boundaries is limitless potential and freedom.

Do you have a place of escape? I invite you to reflect upon it often and mightily; and if you have not taken the time to discover one, do so on this day.

Did You Know? Escapism is important for mental health. It provides stress relief, emotional regulation, inspiration, refreshment and self-care. It encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being and allocate time for relaxation and personal enjoyment.