Sacred lands

This past weekend, my family took a short vacation on the Central Coast of California. We got to experience some of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast; strolls on mighty cliffs in Montaña del Oro, sunbathing on the wide shell beach South of Los Osos, and walks on the silky sands North of Moro Bay.

Yet out of all these majestic landscapes, I was captured by a simple looking place, a small farm in the middle of nowhere. This magical place is called Huasna Valley, about an hour drive East of Arroyo Grande.

Many years ago, these lands were Chumash Indians territory, as they were the largest Indian group in the state of California, ranging from Malibu to Morro Bay and well into Kern County. Many places in their territory were considered sacred — Huasna was one of their "portals to heaven" sites.

We spent a casual Easter afternoon with a few friends, their children, the farm's dogs, chickens and goats. The children decorated eggs, fed the animals, and went on an egg hunt, while the adults helped making and serving the food, making aquantences and enjoying the gorgeous weather under a giant oak tree — sweet and casual moments.

An hour after our arrival I had this gripping feeling — I have never felt so relaxed in my life! Something inside me was in total Calm! This was a similar feeling to what I experienced in deep meditation or in near-sleep moments — and yet, I was walking, talking, observing and engaging with everything around me. My stress level was of non existence, and I felt very quiet, soothed and in complete connection. It was so very enjoyable, as if I was inside a hugh, soft, fluffy cottonball. When I turned to our hostess to explain what I felt, she smilingly nodded and in an understanding voice she said: "This is Huasna...", as if she heard it many times before.

I am still taken by the experience. I do not grasp how this little farm, in this little valley brought so much peace and quiet energy into my soul. For the moment, I leave it at that, knowing I am bound to go back to Huasna.