From History to Mystery

 A reader, grappling with incurable cancer, was touched by an earlier column on Sedona, AZ and "Finding a Spiritual Homeland." She captures both the presence and importance of natural beauty of a homeland and sheds penetrating light on our need for mystical, other worldly contact. Syl, for your colorful and poignant essay, you flow right into the Stress Doc's StressBusters Club. Let's pick up her sense of sympatico with my feelings about Sedona:

 We felt the same way about western Colorado. When on a "mission" to hunt down the perfect place to retire, we discovered the western slope. We too were wowed about the red rock, the grandeur of the buttes and mesas with their varying colored strata of rock...the rainbow pebbles and smooth rocks in the streams...the "red rock" color of the Colorado River after a rain. . .the smell of sage after the same. Eastern part of the state just doesn't have it. Having deer and elk wandering in and out of the yard, along with dozens of varieties of migrating birds feeding out back is the ole proverbial icing. It's dark at night because of the remote location and one can actually go out on the deck and star watch. Its a short drive to the finest dining or entertainment. Or recreation like snow stuff, horseback treks, rafting, hiking...whatever.

 Why did we move here? Like you, we felt it was perfect timing to do something different with our lives. My diagnosis made me KNOW that I wanted to make a huge "change". My boss used to say "when in doubt, take the road less traveled"...he was right! I loved the folks I worked with, having my adult "kids' nearby, and of course Alaska's compelling draw. But after "been there, done that," it was really necessary for me to keep on seeking those things one does with life. It isn't easy, as you can tell from my little chats with you...I'm not in a bad state...but I do have to keep dealing with the process. I feel pretty well for the most part, and although I won't "get over" the subliminal stress of dealing with an incurable cancer, I do enjoy the other 85% of life very much. Being in country that is not just kind, but stunning to the eye, is very healing for a variety of conditions, as is the silence of the surrounding. I love hearing the wind, the sounds made by hummingbird and buzzard wings, the yipping of the small coyotes. But I truly love listening to Little Richard live if I want, or any other music with just a short drive. Best of both worlds.

 There isn't anything mystical going on here...although I've had those experiences too. I think sometimes that people in more dire straights make up mystical experiences because it send threads of "contact" out to the world on the other side, especially if one has a fear of soon joining the other side through illness, or maybe madness...it's more comfortable if you've had contact out there already. But there is something out there...I've had first hand experiences with the wonders of continual support from God, and from friends that have gone before me, I guess...maybe my guardian angel. I don't wonder or go "duh?"at it any more. It too is a part of living energy.

 So, I stay in this world and enjoy it...seek out help when I need it ... pass it on to others when they need it, and I can help. You have a pretty amazing resource out here on the web. You're blessed with a real gift, and you have a stunning tool with which to reach out and help others, especially when other help isn't immediately available, like when I was new here, and feeling a variety of low thoughts. Thanks, and keep on keeping on!

 Syl...I'm not the only one with some pretty special gifts. Thanks for sharing yours with me and with so many others. Keep gazing, keep fighting and, of course...keep Practicing Safe Stress!

 Feedback Segment: How about sharing your thoughts on how you, friends or colleagues use humor in dealing with stress, conflict or moods, yours or others, in your personal life, at home or at work? HFTE will run the best stories and, of course, credit you. (And the real lagniappe, you become a member of the Stress Doc's StressBusters Club.) Also, email me to learn more about "The Stress Doc's" upcoming serious and humorous on-line support/chat group -- "The Frequent Sighers Club.

 Mark Gorkin, "The Stress Doc," Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a nationally recognized speaker, workshop leader and author on stress, reorganizational change, anger, team building, creativity and humor. The Stress Doc is a columnist for the popular cyber-newsletter, Humor From The Edge. Mark is also the "Online Psychohumorist" for the major AOL mental health resource network, Online Psych . His motto: Have Stress? Will Travel! Reach "The Doc" at (202) 232-8662, email: Stress Doc@aol.com