Tuesday, December 05 2006 @ 01:35 PM CST
Contributed by: Marilyn
The overall theme of this issue of Destion is really poignant and pertinant to where things are heading here in Cabo. If you were fortunate enough to have been here as far back as the '80's or '90's, the feeling in Los Cabos was very strong and noticable. The feeling of well being and 'peace' here radiated everywhere and was made even more evident by the absolute lack of it anywhere else. During most of the 90's that feeling predominated and is probably more responsible for the path that has been beaten to Los Cabos doorstep than even the beauty or the weather, which are great on their own. The tip of the Baja is like an island, cut off from civilization. Only one road down, and hundreds of miles of it wind through pristine landscapes unmarred by telephone poles and hydro lines. The silence is awesome. However, great secrets can't be kept and now the world has discovered our oasis in the desert. With this discovery comes the mass of humanity that could take away this precious pearl and replace it with a knock-off replica.
Individually, we have a responsibility to preserve this jewel. We have choices and we need to excercise our discretion in how we conduct ourselves for the good of our paradise. Do we want just another "tourist mecca" with all the problems that brings, or is there a way to share this gem with the world and yet not take onboard the mediocrity that inevitably follows a mass influx of people into an area.
The population is exploding here with retirees, workers, entrepreners, vacationers and folks wanting to start businesses and live here at Land's End. This is well and good, but we have to keep in mind that the reasons for wanting to be here have to be held uppermost in mind and conduct ourselves accordingly. Everyone is looking for a gentler lifestyle, one that slows the pace, eases the heart and feeds the soul. The responsibility for the peace here in Cabo rests on our shoulders. We are responsible for the quality of the life we want here. We need to ask ourselves if we want to live in just another city with great weather or do we want the unique experience of living in a foreign country with great people and a different culture to explore and learn about.
We all contribute daily to the overall happiness, peace and abundance of Los Cabos, however the backbone of any culture are its artists, philosophers, writers, architects, engineers, artisans and all the individuals who bring in the "unseen" heart and feeling dimension to communities. Do we support those who live here and contribute every day, in their own way to life here or do we take the expediant way out for ourselves. The kind of world we want here is one we will create for ourselves by our choices.
We only have to glance up north to realize we're not too far behind here. Globalized companies, the media, mega box everything and business in general will have you believe that saving money is a religious experience. Mass produced items by some offshore manufacturer will save you money to be sure but at a very high price to your neighborhood artisans and businesses. Paradise is people who are happy to be where they are and create out of that well-being feeling.
The one time tourist who lands here may not care too much where his souvenir comes from, he'll buy whatever is served up. But if you live here, have a second home here or just come every year for your time share, you'll want to preserve the uniqueness you feel here and contribute to it by supporting your local artists, artisans, tiendas (shops) and galleries. Everyone knows the convenience of one stop shopping at your box store and it's fine to occasionally partake of that, but remember to include your neighborhood businesses when shopping and in fact, go out of your way to support local, everyone will benefit.
Author Ayn Rand wrote a book in the '40's called Atlas Shrugged. The gist of the book was that society had become indifferent to the inspired and creative individuals responsible for keeping everything together and who were underpaid, overworked and their contribution to society largely ignored. The masses of humanity had no idea of where anything was coming from, they took for granted all the inventions, everyday products and devices, architecture, art and beauty created by these inspired souls. Fed up with the abuse, lack of recognition and financial support, the creative people all stopped doing what they were doing and virtually went on strike. Society fell apart; rapidly.
It is usually artists, writers, and artisans who are the pioneers to any new hot tourist spot. Before long, this creative energy is picked up by the entrepreneurs, builders, architects and engineers and soon business moves in to support the growth that is inevitable. This growth can be creative and exciting or "just business". Without the tempering heart-beat of a creative spirit, the results of unprecedented growth is not a pretty sight.
Creativity is the driving force behind the feeling here in Los Cabos. We are encouraged to nurture this energy and keep it alive by supporting the culture and arts here in any way we can. Shop for "made in Mexico" or local handicrafts, pottery, clothing etc. and of course buy art by Los Cabos artists. As we are each unique individuals, our taste is likewise personal and if we let inspiration guide us, we can be led to discover some interesting things about ourselves through our choices. Collecting art here or buying art for your home, is one exciting way to contribute to your own creative spirit, help the artists in the process and contribute to the overall creativity of Los Cabos.
Cabo can continue to stay creative and exciting by the deliberate choices of the people who live here. Money, like everything else in this world, is only a thought, idea or concept-- in reality. People give all things their value and hopefully our lives are not just lived on the bottom line. Mediocrity will only come in the door if we open it.
