Our re-entry into the U.S. after being in South America for so long was more than just a little jarring. The experience was peppered with travel drama, exhaustion, but during those hours, we had a lot of time to people watch.
The DC airport was abuzz, the beginning of Spring break and it became our fish eye lens to observe the people who rushed through one end to the other. We were in super slow motion, no where to go, only time to observe. The world we left almost four years ago was represented here, in DC as a true microcosm. A microcosm on steroids, actually.
We had much time to sit, watch. I love airports as I’m always searching for those Love Actually moments, a window into people’s lives, love and connections with one another. My perspective was tainted through my tears and exhaustion, but it also gave me a chance to observe closely, actually stare at people through my puffy eyes and become still with what I was seeing.
I watched. I observed.
And I became aware of the way the energy felt too. It was heavy. Noticeably so. I was certain it wasn’t just my energy I was feeling. It was all around me.
I watched.
I saw stylish, manicured people rush in and rush out.
I saw people , of whom I perceived thought they were very important.
I saw people dressed in very expensive clothes.
I saw people wearing expensive shoes.
I saw rushing.
I watched.
I didn’t see many smiles.
I didn’t see people connecting with one another.
I watched.
I didn’t see any of those “Love Actually” moments. Anywhere.
And I surely did not see much joy. Anywhere.
I watched.
I imagined this country’s politicians, their assistants, their staff, all rushing away from the Capital, eager to go somewhere else. I imagined this was the group of stressed people who were running the United States of America.
I watched.
Then, I thought about “primitive” peoples, of cultures past.
I thought of the people I’ve read so much about in my quest to understand the cultures behind the ancient archeology that intrigues me so. I thought about the people who were the great builders of the many sites and the temples ruins that surround our little house in Cusco.
I think about the stories of aggression among the rivaling ancient cultures from Peru, the Incas, the Moche, the Chimu, the change of ages and the movement from one great culture to another. I recall the tales of warfare, violence, aggression and the fight for territory and power.
I look at the people around me and wonder if they consider their practices, their lives, as trivial as some might perceive the ancient cultures of Peru that intrigue me so? I wonder if busy bodies of Washington DC’s airport might consider their own actions in the same manner we view people throughout history? Was I witnessing the actual tribes of Washington DC who inflict warfare, violence, aggression and the fight for territory and power too?
I clearly have a different feeling about the United States now. I feel as if I’m on foreign soil. I don’t perceive the energy as welcoming. I don’t feel that Love Actually connection.
Has the country changed? Or have all the changes I was feeling actually occurring inside of me?
We have reentered the United States.
But for now, we are just visitors.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
