Discover the Wonders Near You and Achieve Damn Inner Peace.
A short post about finding peace outside of Los Angeles.
Many of us dream of finding inner peace or deep relaxation in exotic destinations like Europe, the Bahamas, or Japan1.
There is nothing wrong with seeking these things outside of our normal surroundings. Exploring different cultures and landscapes can enrich our minds and souls. But what if I told you that you can find peace and relaxation in the natural wonders of your own state or country?
You are only a few hours away from discovering the perfect place to recharge your mental batteries.
I recently moved to the desert (from one of LA's suburbs) and I can tell you how much more peaceful it is here2. The extreme temperatures are a small trade-off for the tranquility and serenity I feel. I can breathe better. I have more clarity and focus in my actions. Meditating outside with a desert view is a blissful experience (and a great photo opportunity, if you're into that).
You don't have to move, of course. This was a change I needed to make for some serious self-care3. If you need to get away, you don't have to justify yourself to anyone.
You can escape to these local gems for a day or two. Beaches. Deserts. Hiking trails. Waterfalls. Lookout points. You will feel refreshed by the fresh air and the relaxing or invigorating atmosphere. You might even become a better person after one trip. No one ever leaves a peaceful place and becomes a bigger piece of crap.
Go to Japan or Europe for an unforgettable adventure, but travel nearby to your local natural beauty spots and find peace and relaxation sooner and for less.
Even if one does find peace and relaxation in these magnificent places, they still go through hell to get there. Airport foot traffic/food and uncomfortable seating (if one doesn’t get first class tickets) for hours can certainly ruin a dream trip.
One of the major counter arguments about moving to the desert was that I would be missing out on innovation, trending ideas or popular functions. I’ve never been one to enjoy following trends outside of AI, music, and writing. I’ll probably not miss purchasing overpriced flavor bombs disguised as food, walking around crowded places, and going out for drinks, calling it the “most fun” I’ll have as a young adult. I could experience all of that driving down to Coachella Valley Festival, pay for $16 grilled cheese, be surrounded by cuddling drunks, and melt my brain on MDMA while trying to enjoy Doja Cat. No offense to Doja. I’m a fan.
I’m less than an hour away from the birthplace of Desert Rock, my 3rd favorite genre behind Funk/Motown and Alternative.