The Ojai Chronicles (Day 2 of 3) (Day1)By Cousin Kim
"You are always expanding and deepening. What looks like a 'detour' to the goal-setter in you might well be a rich and enlivening direction for the 'you that is emerging'!" -- Robyn L. Posin
Clean tennis shoes or dirty? I decided on the dirty ones even though I didn't feel like the 7 am mini hike was in my future. I like to have options. Managing to dress and leave our room at The Oaks at Ojai without waking my cousin Jana, after a brief warm up downstairs, off we went on a one hour brisk walk through this beautiful Southern California town.
As we walked two abreast along the residential streets, my walking partner shared her hope that we wouldn't have to climb the hills we'd just descended on the way back. I thought to myself that she might want to conserve her breath and stop chattering away just in case we did.
She then escorted me to the back room where I lay down on a bed which was essentially a slab of rock inlaid with crystals. Crystal is said to have healing properties, so I placed a large rose quartz on my chest, to open the heart chakra, and closed my eyes. At first, I was mainly aware of the conversations occurring in the store up front. Then I began to relax and the noise disappeared leaving only the sound of the calming music and a deep sense of relaxation and well being.
At 8pm we were both scheduled for massages. My masseuse had two speeds--firm and firmer. It was an invigorating experience; one that left me ready for Ojai's version of night life--live music at Movino Wine Bar. We'd planned to meet two local women there for drinks. While we shared fruit and cheese, one of the locals described her recent job change. I reflected on the fact that transition was a big theme the entire weekend as the live band played and Moulin Rouge provided background visuals on a flat screen.
The serenity of Ojai fed my spirit, filled me with spirits, and gently rocked me to sleep.
As we walked two abreast along the residential streets, my walking partner shared her hope that we wouldn't have to climb the hills we'd just descended on the way back. I thought to myself that she might want to conserve her breath and stop chattering away just in case we did.
Once back at the Oaks, I enjoyed a hearty low cal breakfast of oatmeal, a mini muffin, and fruit. Jana, free from her four small children and a challenging ex-husband, came down later and joined me on the poolside patio. Leaving her to enjoy agave nectar with her coffee, I went to a class called Body Awareness, which is a stretch and relaxation class.
Afterwards, while Jana did some solo shopping and visited the local museum, I opted to return to Soul Centered Book Store for another dose of metaphysical comfort. When I entered the shop, the cashier welcomed me back from the day before. "The crystal bed is available," she said as she handed me a cup of filtered water.
She then escorted me to the back room where I lay down on a bed which was essentially a slab of rock inlaid with crystals. Crystal is said to have healing properties, so I placed a large rose quartz on my chest, to open the heart chakra, and closed my eyes. At first, I was mainly aware of the conversations occurring in the store up front. Then I began to relax and the noise disappeared leaving only the sound of the calming music and a deep sense of relaxation and well being. When I returned to the Oaks I felt calm and serene. I decided to join in the bingo game which had started up in the room. There were few participants and prizes to be won, so I figured that the odds of winning were good. Soon Jana joined me and we jockeyed five bingo cards each hoping to win a cookbook, compact disc, or dvd.
The bingo caller, who was dressed in a 50's costume, was clearly an Elvis fan obsessed with trivia. At one point, the bingo caller asked how many movies Elvis had made to which Jana and the gay man next to her answered simultaneously, "too many!" We all had a good laugh on that one as they high-fived one another.
At 8pm we were both scheduled for massages. My masseuse had two speeds--firm and firmer. It was an invigorating experience; one that left me ready for Ojai's version of night life--live music at Movino Wine Bar. We'd planned to meet two local women there for drinks. While we shared fruit and cheese, one of the locals described her recent job change. I reflected on the fact that transition was a big theme the entire weekend as the live band played and Moulin Rouge provided background visuals on a flat screen.Tipsy after one glass of Chardonnay(yeah I know, I'm pathetic), Jana and I said goodbye to our local friends and strolled back to the Oaks ready to swan dive into our single beds and let the hum of the air conditioner accompany us into our dreams.
The serenity of Ojai fed my spirit, filled me with spirits, and gently rocked me to sleep.