Moving To Bellingham
In the summer of 2023, my young family and I left behind my childhood hometown in the outskirts of Silicon Valley for the beautiful city of Bellingham, Washington. We walked away from financial security, deeply entrenched (albeit sparse) social connections, and land with which we had rich connection to. All that said, my wife and I knew in our hearts we had to leave that place and seek out a place that better resonated with our deepest values and aspirations.
In Bellingham, time unfolds at a gentler rhythm than what we were used to, allowing us to dedicate more time to connecting with our children and developing rich connections with others. The city's laid-back atmosphere, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound, has given us space to seek what we want from our lives; slower pace, more space, more community, more nature, more play. And, Bellingham's appeal for us goes beyond its picturesque landscapes; the community of Bellingham is full of adventure seekers, blue and white collar workers, healers, movers, shakers and thinkers.
The allure of this land’s natural gifts also played a pivotal role in our decision, with Bellingham offering a symphony of natural elements we longed for – water, mountains, and trees. The Pacific Northwest's breathtaking scenery has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and moments of reflection. I spend many early mornings grounding down in the forest with my Zero Form practice, preparing for my days of taking care of patients. My family and I escape to mountains on a regular basis to find adventure and spaciousness. We swim in the lake and tromp through the forests year round. This rich natural backdrop has seamlessly blended with the warmth of a community that goes beyond neighbors, providing us with a sense of belonging and interconnectedness that was elusive in the hustle of Silicon Valley. Bellingham is quickly becoming our home.
And then there is a shadow side. There is always a shadow. I am of the opinion that there is value in bringing the shadow into light. Moving is an incredibly taxing venture. It requires immense effort which draws from other places in your life; to ignore that fact is a disservice. Bellingham is a land where the taking of land from those that lived here before is still clearly felt if you pay attention. The Lummi reservation is just across Bellingham Bay. This feeling inspires a desire for me to give back to the descendents of those who had there land taken. Maybe in the form of my profession of acupuncture, or maybe in some other way. But, thus far I have not ventured to places that would present me with those opportunities. I will leave these words on this page as a prayer to be granted opportunity to give back. Then there is the fact that Bellingham is just another city in the United States of America, and much like every city in this country, warts and all.
My family and I are so blessed to call Bellingham our new home. We thank all those who have welcomed us here. We have connected with so many loving, welcoming people so far, and we cherish all of these growing relationships. My practice of Classical Five Element acupuncture has been well received in this place. This small city is a special place, and we are grateful not only to receive it’s gifts but also for the opportunity to give back to the land and its people.