A LONG WALK FOR A SHORT DRINK
Guy’s critique of the space that's called “Los Angeles” brings to mind an advertising concept that my business partner Tom Moyer describes, which is convoluted and offers little in the way of beneficial information – “A long walk for a short drink”.
Indeed, when viewed, experienced and thought about from a certain perspective, Los Angeles can be a vacuous space where connections, identities and souls can easily get lost. Interestingly, it is the lack or absence of the markers (the satisfying drink, so to speak) that ground us in our humanity, which attracts (rather than repels) so many people to Los Angeles.
While no doubt there is a certain truth to his critique and my layered confirmation above, there are other ways of "seeing” and of “being” in the City of Angels.
For example, Los Angeles can become a modern platform for a Zen-like experience. The long distance between things, the time spent alone in route, the nondescript destination upon arrival, can actually help one get in touch with letting go - and just being. In this state of mind it¹s easy to accept that there is no “there”, there in Los Angeles. (Even though so many who live in this city are in search of something.) It all becomes just the here and now. Moreover, one senses a vitality, or perhaps the true allure of Los Angeles - a space, like the people who live in it, always in a state of becoming.
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I had never considered the trance-like nature of a visit to L.A., though I’ve certainly experienced it. I’ve ridden its freeways frequently and for long stretches. And you’re right: the traversal of these wide spaces inspires meditation and insight—if you’re given space on your drive.
Often, you’re not: The traffic hems you in, or your time becomes short, robbing you of space, thinking, peace.
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