Suspending Reality

A visit to a new place boosts right-brained activity, whether it’s intuition, a motivation to create or enjoy art, or just a good feeling of love. You don’t have to go far, just try a different hike, a new friend’s environment, or a local art exhibit.

I spent the past week in Ireland. My father’s ancestors came from there sometime before 1731, but I felt an incredible affinity for the people and the land. In County Clare, I visited the 710 foot, five-mile-long Cliffs of Dover on a clear day with 50 mph winds. Goosebumps and thrills ran through my body. In Ennis, I ate a plate of fresh seafood at the Poet’s Corner bar in the Old Ground Hotel.

Now let me back up a minute. Months ago, the owner of the salon where I frequent, complimented my hair. “It’s curly and looks better with your small face,” she said. I knew my head was small, but hadn’t realized I should now worry about my small face.

As I sat in the Poet’s Corner bar in Ireland, along with several men my age (it seems men sit at the bar and women sit at tables, but not me), I realized the four barmaids all had small faces and small heads, with green eyes and coloring the same as mine. Family!

In County Cork at Blarney Castle, I asked one of the workers what was his favorite thing. He told me to skip the castle and see the gardens. He said I should see Rock Close, which he pronounced Rock Claws. It sounded scary but it wasn’t. I danced in ancient stone circles and felt at one with huge Druid rocks. For the first time in my life, I wanted to camp. The spirit moved me, as we used to say in the 60s.

Last week in Ireland I felt lucky enough to suspend reality. You can too, in your own town, if you try.