It has been three weeks since I returned from the MIX08 trip where I had the misfortune of acquiring the most malicious flu bug ever. Still fighting the aftereffects, I take every opportunity to sleep in on weekends. Somewhere toward the 10th hour of heavenly sleep this morning I experienced a richly rendered virtual-reality-like hypnagogic experience.

Generally not one to remember dreams, I’ve often considered logging the rare occasion when I do. Once again this personal journal becomes an (nearly) ideal vehicle. In contrast to traditional ink-on-paper journals, the semi-public nature of this space inevitably impacts its content. This post is no exception. I sometimes wish WordPress better facilitated this dichotomy. Alas, I suppose the same is true for individuals as for corporations: erring on the side of transparency is usually the best modus operandi.

I am on my way home–presumably from a long absence. The trip, by road, has just come around a bend at the top of a ridge opening onto a huge mountain valley. I’m in an exceedingly peaceful, almost euphoric frame of mind. Not focusing on anything in particular–certainly not the road. In the distance at the valley’s bottom I can see where the road disappears from view as it follows the river canyon into the shadows. Looking ahead I see the long winding sun-drenched switchbacks which will take me down into the valley.

Suddenly, impulsively, I’ve decided not to take the time dictated by the road ahead and decide to ‘fly’ to the valley’s bottom. Shortly after I have left solid ground I quickly realize my absent-minded navigation no longer will cut it. I’m immediately alert and pulling on some sort of kite string, trying to control rapid my descent into the valley.  Moments later I have safely landed. In hand I have some sort of object I need to carry with me. It’s made of sandstone and it seems to have been the ‘reel’ I was using to manage the kite string.  I decide not to wrap it in my jacket but instead happen to have a sort of towel on hand which fits nicely.

Looking around, I see a steep-pitched sky blue rooftop within short walking distance. It comes as an immediate relief given the fact that I’ve quickly landed in a huge lush valley with no map and a feeling of disorientation. Everything around me is very lush and green. Deep red sandstone outcropping capture my imagination as I weave between them heading toward the house which undoubtably will have a drive leading to the main road.

I wake up.

Filed under: Health & Fitness