[PSA to My Readers:
I've been doing a lot of thinking about other kinds of posts, as the blog has taken on a bit of an advice column feel. I thought this one would allow for a good transition post in-keeping with the direction in which I'm hoping to take "Being Bonita", No worries though; still keeping it positive.]
Today I took a drive out to one of my favourite places.....the Palisadoes strip in Kingston. I try to go out there whenever the opportunity arises as I find it a welcome oasis in the bustle that is Kingston city. (I keep promising myself I will have to actually write and post a blog while out there, as the setting is absolutely inspiring).
Today, on Good Friday and Earth Day, I thought to myself as I drove out to the section of the beach near the lighthouse that the landscape had changed significantly since last I visited. It was clear that the Ministry of Transport & Works' plans to "improve" infrastructure were in full swing and, despite the previous slow pace characteristic of past similar initiatives, that in the not-too-distant future the strip of land I had become familiar with ever since I was little girl would change considerably.
Today, there were no persons on the Kingston Harbour side of the strip casting lines out to fish or pointing out landmarks which dot the Kingston coastline to friends. I could not see the other side of the strip which faces the Caribbean Sea due to an inordinate number of boulders (or "big rockstone" as we Jamaicans say) lining the road up to the turn for the airport (components of a future storm wall).
I arrived at my usual spot and thankfully, despite all the changes, much had remained the same with the only noticeable difference being less litter on that section of the beach (which I found heartening). I spent the greater part of my day taking photos (breaking in a new camera and getting shots to serve as future art for my little apartment). I looked at the large ships being guided by smaller tugboats, tiny sand-coloured crabs scuttling across my toes, large waves hitting the expansive shelf of rocks on the shoreline. I felt the sun burn on my recently-turned-paler skin, the spray from the sea as the waves hit rocks and the wind blow through hair, much longer since the last time I visited. I sat on my usual rock (thankfully also still there) and thought about all the things I've ever heard persons philosophize about change.
So much had changed but yet I was able to find the space with which I had become familiar. I wondered how much longer it would remain the way I knew it. I will agree with those who say that the Palisadoes ought to be better maintained and even improved to achieve the potential that such a space clearly possesses. But yet, I remain reserved as I have come to learn that as good as the intentions we have may be about what to do with our unique spaces, we have managed to maintain a consistent balance between trying to develop in order to achieve potential while still causing problems with the abandon with which we treat the space. And though I'm sure it sounds selfish, I can't say I necessarily agree with putting up a boardwalk to encourage crowds to what is a nearby, welcome space of solitude that persons often use to escape from the numerous concerns of the city. A space already damaged but still ironically hanging on in certain parts because of neglect whether convenient or unavoidable.
I looked back on the numerous photos I took of this favourite space and thought about how the ideas and questions I asked myself about the Palisadoes applied to my life. The question of balance. Balancing decisions aimed at achieving full actualization of potential while avoiding possible damage these decisions may cause and at the same time ensuring that you don't neglect to do the things which won't take as much work or effort.
Finding balance is very often not easy and takes a good bit of skill.
Thinking on these things...
Peace & Love
xoxo
Keeta :)
P.S. Please enjoy the photos =]
