Solstice Canyon is one of the serene attractions in this wonderful city.
I have lived in Malibu for 17 years. What a blessing! I have to say that this city is home to many truly loving people. I recall, for example, the outpouring of sisterly and brotherly love at the funeral of , the young girl who died a tragic death more than a year ago on Pacific Coast Highway. The room was filled with more than 300 caring Malibu residents, many of whom had never met Emily.
Sure, our city has its fair share of issues and disagreements. But the majority of people that I have come to know are genuine and kind- hearted.
I grew up in a home that put love first. Unfortunately, I have found in my considerable travels that the world lacks the sisterhood and brotherhood that transcend differences. Malibu offers a lesson in the kind of unity that would help make the world a better place. I often ponder the proverbial chicken-and-egg paradox. Does the serene environment here mellow the people or are mellow people drawn to the serene environment?
It took more than 10 years for me to discover one of those serene attractions. I feel I should share with my readers this discovery, the magic of , located off Corral Canyon Road. Surprisingly, many Malibu residents are unaware of some of nature's candles in our very midst.
"Solstice Canyon—a place where nature greets you with the sights and sounds of a babbling brook set amidst towering alder and sycamore trees. Green leaves surround you like a giant cocoon, even in hot, dry summers, filling you with a sense of peace and solitude," the National Park Service's website states.
In addition to the above, I have found that the people I have met in the park seem to share a sense of serenity and calm. Thanks, Chana, for introducing me to this park.
And I hope those of you reading this column will visit Solstice Canyon, enabling you to add to the divine harmony and serenity already within you. I was taught that certain places on this planet have a more intense and exposed divine light. I would not be surprised if Solstice Canyon is one of those places.
Standing by the entrance, near the running waters, I write these words on my new iPad, (thank you R.C.P). Yes, high technology meets natural beauty. As I stand here surrounded by such awesome beauty, I reflect on the seemingly perfect harmony that is nature, contrasted with the pathetic disharmony in the heart of man.
In the teachings of Chabad, I learned that each person can attain and bring true harmony. Indeed, it is only uniquely with humankind that we have the challenge and potential to bring mind and heart together in harmony, so that we fully realize that rainbow in which Divine Light shines to us.
This harmony brings to mind the famous Jewish song "Oseh Shalom Bimromav," which is about bringing the same harmony that exists "above"—the harmony that exists within nature—into our day-to-day lives.
If you would like to be notified when our small group plans to do its next hike, please email me at [email protected]. I can add you to our list.
It is with humility and gratitude that I acknowledge the stewardship of those who care for Solstice Canyon and the other beautiful settings in Malibu. They may not know it, but they are doing G-d's work.