Christina Solstad - Spirit of Chaco Blog

Resilience of the Human Spirit: World Trade Center Impressions

I am constantly amazed by the resilience of the human spirit. Life happens. Disasters happen. Bad things happen to good people. And we bounce back. We help one another. Life goes on.

World Trade Center Site in New York City

Recently I made my first visit to the World Trade Center site in New York City. The first time I saw it was at rush hour on a weekday. As I approached the site, near the WTC transit station, I began to feel a lump in my throat. I slowed my pace, and felt, and watched.

The events of that day on September 11, 2001 came rushing back in my mind's eye. My eyes teared up.

I sent my silent prayers to all those who lost their lives, all those who lost loved ones, and all those who experienced that day, in some profound way.

I walked around the temporary information and memorial site above the subway entrance. I was the lone visitor in the darkness. Descriptions and a timeline of that day. 3,000 names on a wall. Pictures of the memorial to be built. Looking through holes in the fencing at the construction underway and the massive holes in the ground where the towers stood, and that will hold reverse reflecting pools.

Resilience and Reverence

I watched people rushing to catch the subway, heading home to loved ones, seemingly oblivious to the nearness of the site and all that happened there only 6 1/2 years ago. The word that came to mind was Resilience.

A horrific event happened here. But life must go on. People do what they need to do. I'm sure it is never far from their thoughts, but why dwell on it?

Theater as Inspiration: Pursuing Your Dreams

The theater is a wonderful source of inspiration. The performers are pursuing their dreams, and doing whatever it takes to be up on that stage. How many of us can say we are truly doing that?

I had forgotten how much I love the theater until I was fortunate enough to attend two great shows last week in New York City: Spring Awakening and Stomp.

Spring Awakening expresses the angst and discovery and exuberance of youth in puberty, through soul-searching and passionate song and dance.  Their inner feelings and emotions are unleashed, in straight-laced late 19th century Germany. 

Stomp is a high-energy blend of rhythm, percussion, and dance, combined with audience participation. The genius and creativity of using everyday items to create music is amazing. Garbage cans, brooms, match boxes?

The actors in both are young, and full of incredible energy and passion. Their creative energy (truly unbridled raw creative energy in the case of Stomp) is just bursting forth. I couldn't help but wonder what it took for them to get there.

What is clear is they are pouring their heart and soul into their performances.

How many of us pour our heart and soul into life? Are we willing to dig deep into who we are, and bring it forth in some way?

We have no way of knowing who might benefit or be inspired from our willingness to express who we truly are. Here's to pursuing our dreams.

New York Impressions: What's to Love About the Big Apple?

New York is intriguing. As someone who usually prefers the quiet and beauty of a place like Chaco Canyon, I've been pleasantly surprised by what I've found. Here are some of my impressions about downtown New York.

• Everyone seems really nice and willing to help
• Everyone is really busy and in a rush
• I love all the different accents, and talking to people of many different ethnicities
• I love the food - so much variety, and so yummy! Go to Amish Market on Park Place near the World Trade Center site. It is a "magical wonderland"
• The people here have heart and soul
• The buildings are really big and tall - remember to look up!
• I love the character ... everywhere
• The buildings act like a wind tunnel for the cold winter wind
• Pedestrians don't wait for the walk lights to cross the street
• I have walked all over and felt safe
• The city is alive!
• The Brooklyn Bridge is an amazing engineering feat
• Great theater, and so many options!
• An amazing place to people watch - where else can you see a complete outfit of purple leather?
• Lots of great material here for writers and photographers (and I am both)

I can understand why people love New York! I do love to travel and explore new places, so this is a great place to experience. And I love to strike up conversations and connect with those I meet.

How about you? Any New York stories or impressions to share? Do you stay open to new experiences when you travel?

Coincidence (or Not) in New York City

Coincidences seem to occur more and more in my life. Except, to me, they aren't really coincidences. I've learned to sit up and take notice, even if the reason is often not readily apparent.

I am in New York City this week for business. As I headed to catch a train from Newark airport to Manhattan, a fellow traveler behind me remarked that he knew me from somewhere. Turns out, I attended a screening in San Diego 3 or 4 years back of a poignant movie he wrote and directed, “ The Streetsweeper.“ It is the story of a father's love and sacrifice.

James Hill was in New York for another film screening, and was drumming up investors to help get it distributed in time for Father's Day. I suggested he contact Stephen Simon of Spiritual Cinema Circle, as they like independent films with more depth and heart than the average mainstream movie these days.

What are the chances of running into someone in New York that you met briefly (and 3,000 miles away) several years before?

Would you pay attention if that happened to you?

Here are some suggestions when a “coincidence“ seems to occur for you:

• Pay attention
• Assume there is a reason
• Follow up
• Keep track, so you can see where it may lead

Who knows? You might make connections that are just what you or the other person needs. Besides, it could be fun!