Like a Jungle

Waking up this morning, after a weird dream in which I saw bears on the roof of a building across the street from where I was living in the dream and then a tiger a few steps behind me when I stepped outside to take video of the bears, I had to laugh when I rationalized the dream made sense because the real world, with all that’s currently going on, is very much like a jungle.

Fires, earthquakes, a disgusting pig in the white house, anti-maskers, racist Karens, unrestrained beasts loose on the streets ─ some of them dressed as violent protestors, others dressing in police uniforms. A jungle out there.

Am I surprised that none of the cops are being charged with the murder of Breonna Taylor?

No.

Am I upset about it?

No.

I’ve been Black for a long time. Seen so much that I’ve become somewhat desensitized into acceptance ─ in whatever form that which I must accept takes.

With me, it’s always going to be “It is what it is”.

When I spotted a mama bear and three little ones on the roof of that building in the dream and stepped outside to video the event, one of the babies had jumped into a tree on my side of the property. As I backed up away from the tree, so I could get a good shot and not endanger myself, I happened to turn around and spotted a thirsty looking tiger eyeing me.

My first instinct was to run back to my unit, but knowing I couldn’t outrun the tiger, I maintained my cool, slowly and calmly walked away and made it safely back inside.

I’m interpreting the real world message of the dream is to keep my calm, stay inside, don’t let the chaotic appearance of what’s happening outside intrude into the peace of my beingness.

Good advice.

Except I did have to head out yesterday to replenish supplies that I can only find at Sprouts.

After driving all that way, they were out of the only tomato paste I’ve found that doesn’t cause a gut episode ─ Cento. I didn’t leave empty handed though, because I loaded up on organic chicken, organic frozen hash browns and, not finding a suitable paste, I decided to give Pomi Tomato Sauce a try, as it’s marked gluten and seeds free.

We’ll see how that goes.

Having a sensitive gut is such a pain ─ that’s figuratively and literally, but there are worse physical ailments to be saddled with, so it is what it is.

On the drive back, reaching the turn off into the Renaissance Market Place, the car just kind of took over the drive, made a right off the freeway, turned into the Market Place and lo and behold I found myself standing inside the now open to walking in See’s Candy Store.

 

I was the only customer in the store, so didn't have to worry about adhering to the only four customers in the store at one time.

When out and about, I've been asked so often where I get my masks that I carry slips of paper with Mask Guy's url. Of course, I had none on me when the girls behind the counter asked where they could get one. AND, would you believe, a senior moment hit ─ my mind went blank. Fortunately, before I'd completed my purchase, it came to me and the girls behind the counter got a referral to Mask Guy.

Having survived that trip out into the jungle, safely back in my little unit, it was candy and coffee for lunch.

Did I have a gut episode?

Yes, of course. I was expecting it.

But it's just a few hours of discomfort, as opposed to days and weeks in other instances.

Was it worth it?

Totally!