The Hum of Stillness ~ Joshua Tree National Park, California

Large boulders towered above, surrounding us along the steamy, desert floor.  A land all its own, separate from everywhere, it seemed.  Tiny kangaroo rats scampered from here to there, bearded lizards posted up on rocks and the occasional jack rabbit appeared, beautifully blending into the dusty brown landscape.  Scattered Joshua trees of all shapes and likenesses dappled the flat stretches.  Their trunks bore dark, hairy bark and their limbs stretched out ball-like extremities of spiked afro hair.  In the saturated-orange evening sun, their spot-lit beings looked cartoonish to me, like images somewhere between Dr. Suess and Fraggle-rock.

We trudged further, chasing the fading setting sun, climbing up and along boulders, pressing on further and further with haste, until at last– finally a clearing.  The sun appeared in the horizon, and within seconds disappeared into oblivion, dismissing the day, casting its final blessing over the desert hours.  We basked for a few minutes, then turned back and continued climbing along, returning to our campsite.  We stopped to sip water, and we could easily hear the noticeable frequency that was the desert essence.  Neither of us moved, we simply tapped in.  Although we were quiet, and unmoving, and all around us was still, the ringing in our ears intensified, becoming more overwhelming, playing its divine humming tune of nature.

Seeing something out of the corner of my eye, I turned and saw a large bird of prey flapping its way towards the top of a large boulder.  In its talons I could just make out a snake.  The bird landed and within seconds devoured its prey.  Nearing the scene, we could make out the distinct shape of an owl.  It remained still, only pivoting its head in short flashes, while it surveyed its domicile.  The owl let us approach and marvel at him for some time.  Stillness ensued in the desert.  And so did the hum.