Peace exists in many things and many places – sometimes we just have to remember to look.
Some of these are memories we can reflect on and others are places we can visit in the present.
Sometimes peace comes in the form of a person – one who we trust, who we can spill our guts to, and who still loves and accepts us for who we are without judgment.
Personally I find peace when I’m in their presence and we are laughing or hugging or just sitting together. And for those people, like my grandmothers and my dad, I find peace in their memories.
Sometimes, simply creating and looking at a list of peaceful things brings me a sense of calmness, warmness, safety, and happiness, like being enveloped in a warm hug.
I think about the senses: tastes, sights, smells, sounds, and feelings. I think about the people, places and things that brought me lovely moments of quiet and calm.
I write my list in a journal so that when I’m in need of peace or gratitude, I can review it and instantly feel better.
Here’s some things that come to me in this moment:
- Smelling a hot loaf of bakery bread, or strawberries, or a steaming cup of hot coffee with mocha.
Opening a new book and anticipating the immersion into a new story.
- The smell of cornfields in the summer or watching a campfire flicker.
Gazing at the stars in a dark night sky.
- The site of a large harvest moon.
The Northern lights dancing across the sky.
- Slowly eating a single piece of decadent dark chocolate, noticing it’s texture and taste – it’s sweetness and bitterness - and letting it roll over my tongue until it melts away and warms my tummy.
The feel of a child’s hug and unconditional love.
- Singing along with a favorite and upbeat song without a care of who is listening.
Birdsong in the morning.
- Crickets and frogs chirping as the last rays of sunlight fall below the horizon.
The crashing waves and immenseness of Lake Michigan.
- The quiet lapping of a calm lake on the shore.
The sound of loons swimming by.
- The anticipating of meeting up with a dear friend I haven’t seen in some time.
The lavender smell of a warm fresh fuzzy blanket just pulled out of the dryer.
- Petting a dog or talking to a bunny who happened into my yard.
Earthing my bare feet in the grass.
- Noticing the trees and gardens around me and the scurry of bees, birds, and critters.
Listening to the wind rustle the colorful autumn leaves.
- A quiet house – no TV and no distractions – just silence.
The memory of chasing fireflies with my brother and cousin at my grandmother’s home (which was an old one room schoolhouse).
- The thought of creating a beautiful garden she-shed in my new yard where I can play in my plants and sit on a swinging chair in the warmth of summer.
Coloring books and doodling and Zentangle – losing myself in the moments.
- Journaling about whatever comes to mind and allowing the words to flow with whatever energy needs to be released in that moment, then marveling at my accomplishment.
Remembering my Grandma Darland’s hot homemade bread steaming from the oven after I watched her lovingly knead and work it to perfection.
- Reminiscing how my Grandma Knapper could make an amazing meal from almost nothing and her love of painting and gardening, piano, and laughter.
The amazing 1st and 2nd dates (on the same day) with my husband.
These are just some of the things that bring me back to a present moment with a sense of peace, calm, and happiness.
My dear friend, did you notice a calmness after reading my list? What other things came to mind for you?
Now a bit of healing homework for you. I invite you to grab your favorite beverage, go somewhere you love and won’t be distracted, and make your list of lovely peaceful things today. Keep it close to you for when times feel stressful and you’re in need of peace and calm.
Please remember that you are ALWAYS supported and loved. Enjoy your day and this wonderful healing process.
Karen 🦋
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