Quiet Time

I have loved and been familiar with the poem "Desiderata" for many, many years.

About 15-20 years ago I recall a particular line of this poem having a huge affect on my way of thinking:

"Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit."

That thought helped me deal with a very negative person who existed in my life on a daily basis. I had a bad time dealing with her and this thought helped me see that you should surround yourself with only positive influences.

Now here I am again, years later, recalling another line from this beloved poem:

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence."

Like most people--especially mothers--I am always running around like crazy! So much to do and so little time...

...open house at two different schools, catechism for all 3 kids, doctor appointments, forgotten lunches that need dropped off, girl scouts, boy scouts, basketball practice, friends that come over to play...and that's just what I do for my family! Besides all of that chaos I still have to tend to my home business...no matter how hard I try it just won't run itself! It's all so crazy and it just doesn't seem to ever end! Everyday is pretty much the same...non-stop running until I pretty much crash once I go to bed.

I know...I know...this scenario is all too familiar with so many of us. We all have priorities and things to do. We get caught up in the overwhelming amount of activity and the everyday loudness of our world. In order to keep our sanity every once in awhile we need to just STOP and listen to the silence.

Finally yesterday I had time to go sit and soak up the silence. I visited my favorite little spot down by the dam. Although my time there was so limited it was still so incredible! During this tiny fragment of my busy life I purposefully absorbed the sounds and smells around me. I listened to the crickets. Oh! How I love that sound!! It reminds me of when I was a kid and going to sleep with my windows opened in the summer time! I listened the birds and the sound of the rustling leaves that are just beginning to turn their brilliant fall colors. I smelled the fall air--it was cool and crisp yet it warmed me at the same time. I felt the gentle breeze and watched as it caused the trees to sway gently. The beauty of this moment overwhelmed me with a sense of calm that carried me through the rest of my busy day.

After I left this incredible line from "Desiderata" kept running through my head..."Go placidly amid the noise..."

I live in a very small town, but even in the smallest of towns you hear the traffic and noise of the town's center. Cars honking, delivery trucks passing by, loud mufflers and motorcycles. Then at home with 3 kids there's always chaos! The T.V., the game cube, the computer, the phone ringing, kids running in and out of the house and doors slamming...and so on.

In the midst of the everyday chaos I had only 5 minutes but I chose to take this opportunity to soak up the silence.

The cold weather will soon be here so I'm glad I took advantage of this opportunity because my favorite spot will not be accessible until spring. I'll have to find another quiet place to visit during the winter season--these quiet moments don't occur very often and for me it is necessary to feel calm and peace even if it's only for a few moments.

Everyone should make it a point to find their own quiet place and go listen to the sounds you hear in the silence...it will fill you up with peace and tranquility and then carry you through even the craziest days!

I wish you a peaceful day amidst all of the noise!
Jane