The term “the four dimensions” according to the study of Physics, refers to how the Universe is constructed. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd dimensions define space and the 4th dimension defines time. Time is a pretty deep concept. It’s very subjective, even though it’s steady and it’s measurable. How we perceive time varies. Sometimes it feels like time flies and sometimes time drags on at a snail’s pace. Over these past almost 2 years for many of us, it felt like time was moving very slowly as we worked through our suffering, damage, and repairs from hurricane Helene. All of the tiresome drudgery of digging out muck and picking up sticks and repairing roadways, made it feel like time was crawling. But when we look at the lake now, it holds beauty and glory in its restoration to being both clean and full. It almost seems like time has flown by. It’s amazing how quickly we’ve gotten to this point, because honestly after the storm happened and I surveyed the damage, I was very skeptical that we would get even close to this place anywhere sooner than 2 to 3 years. It took resolve, vision, dedication and self sacrifice to get here. The process took time. Time in a lot of different ways. It took time away from the things we find joy in, time away from summer leisures and away from celebrating several Holidays and local annual events.
But now it’s time for Summer! It’s time to relish in our accomplishments and successes. It’s time to celebrate the businesses that held tight and it made it through the tough times. It’s time to celebrate the locals that showed up and to celebrate the people that we didn’t even know that showed up and fed our community and helped with repairs and construction. When we look now, we can still see damages from the storm, but we can also see something inspiring. We’re having a bit of a renaissance and are seeing businesses being built back with upgrades and more features (such as new decks with better views). We have new offerings like candy shops, escape rooms and axe throwing. So fun! New (or reimagined) businesses offering a variety of activities for the people that will visit Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. It’s time to celebrate! It’s time to welcome summer and all it’s full glory. And no, the work isn’t finished. Honestly work never is. We’re just entering a new phase. It’s still a transition. But it’s OK to take some time and be happy and be proud and bask in the glory. We’ve learned a lot as a community as individuals. So let’s celebrate this coming holiday by having an amazing Fourth of July! Swim in the lake, boat in the lake, stand-up paddleboard, kayak and go jump in the lake! And maybe while you stand on it shores, take a moment. Pause and take some breaths (I am breathing in. I am breathing out.) Receive that moment with a heart full of gratitude for all of the time that we’ve had together for all of the time that we have now and all of the time that we have going forward together. It’s about time.
Carla Ann Drummond is the founder of Lake Lure Yoga (www.lakelureyoga.com), where she strives to hold space for peace, healing, breath and to inspire belonging in her community.
