The doorways at Pueblo Bonito are iconic. I had the opportunity to visit Chaco Canyon, New Mexico several years ago. Pueblo Bonito is part of a massive complex that was built between 850 AD and 1150 AD. It functioned for the Pueblo peoples somewhat like the Vatican does for Catholics. The trip to Chaco is well worth the bumpy ride into the park. Because my friend and I were at different skill levels, I spent most of the afternoon visiting the different structures and then an enjoyable hike hour long hike along flat terrain where I saw my first up close, touchable (although I didn't) petroglyphs.
Pueblo Bonito is the only structure that visitors are allowed to poke around inside. As I approached the doorways, I reflected on all that had gone before me. The Chaco complex had thrived for 300 years and then abandoned for another 300 years before Christopher Columbus was conceived. The detail of the architecture is amazing and clearly built for posterity. At each doorway, I made a point to pause and consider the stages of my own life. In the first doorway I paused and then entered what I imagined to be the Room of
Formation. Here I contemplated growing up in Southeastern Oklahoma with dreams of traveling in my head. Then in 1989, I entered the next doorway. In my 20's and early 30's I found myself in the room where I could realized those early dreams. Once I opened myself up opportunities abounded. If the first room was my formation, this room was building the foundation. When I accepted a job with the LA County Library System, I stepped through the next doorway. In this room, I use my formation and foundation as I strive to give back to the communities I serve. I hope to inspire and serve all those around me. I
walked through that doorway almost 12 years ago and what an adventure it has been. The path has not always been easy but it has been meaningful. In this room, I am no longer ego centric and it feels pretty good to know that I can add value to someone's experience. I am not quite sure when I will walk through the next doorway, but it will be another 15 to 20 years before, I am ready to cross the threshold from this room that I now reside.
When I show the doorway photo to others, I am not sure what they see. Most express their amazement. But I see it as awe inspiring and as metaphor for life. I do not think that this is an original thought and quiet possibly the intention of the ancient architects who designed Pueblo Bonito.