Where do you go when you're tired, discouraged, sick, frustrated, out of patience or all those other negative feelings we experience from time to time - but you can't physically leave? William Wordsworth said when he was depressed (which he was, deeply an
d often) he returned in his thoughts to the serene Wye River Valley and Tintern Abbey in Wales. There was something sobeautiful, so peaceful, so restorative that
when he escaped to there from his dreary
day to day existence, even just in his mind, he was healed. It had that effect on me, too.
Do you have a special place that restores you? A place to escape from it all? Can you lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes, breathe deeply, picture your place in your mind and go there? Does it help? Maybe yours is a special temple, a mountain canyon, a solitary desert, a corner of your backyard, or your favorite chair in your quiet bedroom.
Since our trip to Cambodia, I've loved to return in memory to Ta Prohm Temple ruins. It was so peaceful and quiet, I could understand why monks for hundreds of years came here to meditate. I could have stayed here for hours, listening to the birds, feeling the overwhelming spirit of serenity that pervaded the ancient place.
One of my most healing places is the beach. My husband and I love to walk on the beach and feel the pounding of the waves on the sand and rocks, to experience the healing powers of water that comes and goes in a steady rhythm like the heartbeat of the earth. If I can have five quiet minutes to go there in my mind, I can be totally rejuvenated. Of course, we can add to that a quiet prayer (plea!) for healing, faith that we are being heard and loved by our all knowing Father in Heaven who wants us to be happy, and the hope that comes with that faith, there is almost nothing that can overcome us.
If you've never tried it (though I can't imagine a mother in the world who has not!) be my guest. Think of the most peaceful place you've ever been and recall the feelings you had there. Then ask in prayer to be restored in mind and body and spirit and revel in the memories and the feelings that will come. It's not a cure all, but the closest thing I can think of at the moment. Sit back and enjoy!!
4 comments:
There's a place by a mountain stream in Montana. I go there in my mind, but no more in reality. So many houses have been built around there, I fear it has changed. And if it has, I'd rather not know.
I go on a walk down the mountainside into Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. There are actually many places in Tahoe where my mind retreats in times of stress.
Thanks for the calming blog and beautiful pictures.
Lynn, once again you have taken me away with your pictures and post. Thank you!
Where do I go? Wow. So many places, but often times it's only in my mind...
In reality I think my most calming places are the Temple, the mountains, walks along this country road I know.
I loved this post. It made me stop and take time to think. I need to stop and take more moments-- more calming moments... Thanks, Lynn!
(beautiful pictures!)
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