A few weeks ago I was in Palo Alto at an event and there was a comment by a New Yorker living in Silicon Valley. I don't remember it exactly, so I will use poetic license to describe what I think the sentiment was. It was this feeling of being in NY,and missing being surrounded by people. Juxtaposed by the feeling of no people around in San Francisco. Missing and feeling comfort from being around so many people. I know from my time in NY what this feeling is like. It doesn't particularly resonate with me. I prefer solitude to large groups of people.
That is because I am not acclimated to that environment. I grew up in the west. However there is one environment I am highly acclimated to, where I feel utterly comfortable and love, and that is in/on the LA Freeway system.
Just today I drove from the Dome in 29 Palms back to WeHo. Threaded the needle all the day. Found myself going 70 - 80 in tune with the cars around me, 4 feet between us. It occurred to me, this feeling of comfort of being around cars, driving so far, on the freeway, in close proximity was a similar feeling that the NYer was communicating. There's something wonderful about fast pack formation driving.
I love driving. And I love the LA Freeway system better than any road except a backroad twistie or desert long hauls (that includes West Texas). The freeway interchange at the 10 and 15 is one of the most gorgeous sights to my eyes. I am fond of the 110 to 105 carpool/express lane interchange as well. And then there's the ridiculously multi-level series of changes up in Oakland, I think it's 580 and 980 and maybe 24. That used to be my favorite when I lived in Berkeley.
There's nothing I like better than a triple digit kiss after getting through LAX, zooming up the 405 to the 10 to La Cienga or La Brea. Zooming along in the night. Heated seats. Hand on the stick shift. Probably listening to ELO or Jamiroquoi.
I "play this game" when I drive called "threading the needle." My friend K0re calls this same technique as "defragging the road/freeway." The concept is simple, you move to the empty spaces, regardless of lane. Sure, you might weave a bit and you want to do this at high speeds for "efficiency". And of utmost importance you must not endanger any vehicles around you. If in doubt, give the other vehicle the right of way and chillax for a moment. I can't always thread the needle.
One key aspect of threading the needle is being in the Zone. Or Flow. You've got to be in tune with the freeway, with the other cars on it, with your car, with the flow. When you're in tune with all of these things, the road opens up. It's a gorgeous thread, woven across the lanes and with the cars. A dancing. It is a beautiful thing. I feel so connected to the world, to the car, to the road, mostly to the flow when that happens.
Earlier today, I experienced a few moments of this bliss. This feeling of flow and in tune with the road, my fellow drivers, myself, my car and the universe. Expansive. So gorgeous. It's with me now, as I sit here and describe it to you.
I love this feeling. In tune and connected with the flow of all. And me, a darting hummingbird in the winds, zoom zooming through the leaves as I find my way home to my nest.
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