In my 16 years of living in New York City, I have lived in 16 different places. The shortest residence was for 2 weeks. The longest stay was for 5 years. I have crashed on my teacher’s studio floor for a month. I have taken luxuriant refuge in a high-rise condominium overlooking Central Park.
Being a Taurus, this all seems rather remarkable. An earth-bound creature, one would think I would settle in and stay. And, in fact, looking back I have almost always moved because I was forced to: an end of a lease, a roommate pushes me out (way back when, folks), bed bugs (ugh!), a relationship ends (phew!), etc.
What has been steady and constant in my life all this time is the city and my work. For a long time this was enough. People speak of the paradox of being lonely in the city while surrounded by millions of people. However I have found the density and energy of the city acts as a greater surrounding body that supports my adventuring within it.
Back when I was a dancer and waitress, then dancer/waitress/teacher, I spent little time at home. My homes were at studios where I took classes (heartfelt thanks to Moving Body Resources), the restaurants where I was working (kudos Edward’s!) and the studios where I taught (many thanks Movement & Beyond). Since my injury more than three years ago, dance classes and serving food have been left to the wayside. I have dropped into a deep healing process that continues today. It is now time for to find a home for rest, regeneration and joy.
Can this be found on Craigslist? Or for that matter in New York City?
Do I have to follow the dictates of New York’s real estate market, or can something be born to answer my heart’s desire?
I have made lists of qualities I want for my future home; I have trolled Craigslist and StreetEasy; I have spoken with friends; I have contacted a broker or two; I have imagined over and over about what kind of home will feed me to my heart’s content.
I am writing this now in a pied-à-terre on loan for a week. Sunlight is pouring in. It’s peaceful. There’s a wooden floor for me to lie on. It gives me hope that what on practical terms might seem impossible is possible.
If I dive deeper into my heart, will I step into a new home meant for me?
Or will the universe pick up on my blog post?
Light
Air
Wooden floor
Space
Kitchen made for cooking
Good neighbors
Trees
Community
Dog-enthusiastic
Thank you.
This was originally posted August 10th, 2011.
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