Santa Fe!



Two days after the closing of my new house, I headed off for Santa Fe, NM with my friend Kathy.  Though I might have been better off staying put, I'd arranged a home exchange about a year ago, and the price was right (free) so off we went.  It was snowing when we left, and I was glad Kathy drove her zippy little Subaru, rather than me taking the big honking Nomad Moon. We travelled through some beautiful canyon lands, but didn't actually see the view (due to snow and fog) till the return trip 5 days later. We stayed in a rustic but roomy house in the desert, about 20 miles outside of Santa Fe. While it had a lovely fireplace, we set off the smoke alarm while trying to make a fire and the entire house smelled like smoke for 2 days. No matter; during the day the strong sunlight warmed the house like a greenhouse through its many windows.  But at night it was poorly lit, making it hard to read. No internet, cell service or games to play, it was a bit more retreat-like than I expected. But the mountain snow, starlit night sky and hot tub made up for it. 

 


Santa Fe, known for its community of artists and charm, doesn't disappoint. Though somewhat deserted, the restaurants, shops and galleries were still eager to do business with tourists carrying fat wallets. What I love about Santa Fe is the mix of Native American and Hispanic culture, evident in the art, cathedrals, missions, pueblo style architecture, cuisine and so much more. 


                  




           
                                                                             Missing Indigenous women parka, Contemporary Indian Art Museum

It's always a bittersweet experience, however, remembering the tragedy of what colonialism did to the indigenous people. As I try to reconcile my Catholic roots, (which I spice up with a little Quakerism and Buddhism) I am still drawn to the ancient symbolism, beauty and mystical aspects of the Church.  As a faith, it is clearly doomed the way it practiced by many. One of the reasons I wanted to come to New Mexico, however, was to make a pilgrimage to the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque.  It is out of this unique spiritual place that Father Richard Rohr practices a radical form of Christianity.  The best way I can think of to describe his teachings is a form of liberation theology, which challenges us to use our failures as growth opportunities, reject exclusionary, shame-based concepts of sin, avoiding patriarchal, corporate, greedy justifications for religion. While I was there, I got to walk the labyrinth, sit in contemplative meditation, and visit the bookstore. At a time when the world situation leaves me feeling almost hopeless, it was a truly restorative experience.


           Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque                                                                   Basilica of St. Francis, Santa Fe

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