Let us pursue the things that make for peace

 

I made it home in time to catch the setting sun one day last week.

It’s been a busy fall. Since school began in late August, I’ve had little time to pause and reflect, and I’ve really missed the peace that comes from a slower pace and daily mindfulness. I’ve been in survival mode, as so many are these days. Near and far, the sad and difficult news just keeps coming. The busyness combined with the stress of life felt like I was being sucked completely dry. I’m grateful for the three day weekend to recharge and refocus.

These are a few things that bring me peace, and hopefully, with some mindful effort, I can carry them along with me as I go back to work.

• Nature—birds at the feeder, sunsrise/sunset, the ever changing colors and light, a turkey decked out in fall garb wandering through the yard, crows at the birdbath, crisp mornings, a warm fire in the stove, Teddy’s sweet love and affection
• People—dear friends and loved ones’ kindness, encouragement, support, love. Even those I might not typically think of as close friends bless me on a daily basis with their presence, knowledge, assistance, and perhaps just a “simple” smile.
• Seasonal food—squash, pumpkin, hearty soups, pies, hot tea, stouts, meads 
• Art/Creativity—This weekend I stumbled upon UK artist, Angela Harding. You can view her prints here. It has me dreaming of being an artist, having my own studio in a small barn (yet to be built) out back some day. Beautiful artwork fills me with a sense of deep peace, almost immediately. 
• Gentleness—When I get crazy busy at work, I find certain undesirable traits emerge. Impatience, judgmentalism, and overall being so drained that I feel I have nothing left to offer others. The demands put on teachers are sometimes on a level of ridiculous and over the top that I feel often like I’m running on fumes. BUT, when I create an intention as I get out of my car at work of “I will move through this day with gentleness” it is possible. I’ve done this before with positive results, and I need to get back to it. 
• Love—gentleness is just one aspect of love, but I do want to clothe myself with it, and also with kindness and humility. If I can give myself over to these three qualities, I’ll be well on my way to another realm where peace reigns supreme.

These are the thoughts moving through me on this Sunday. I made it to Christ Church Pomfret this morning (first time in a couple months) and it was just what I needed. This is a place of genuine warmth and sincerity. No false piety (that I’ve seen in the 9 or so years I’ve gone there). The contemporary band, Nine-Sixteen, was playing. They often mix in secular songs that have on point messages. Today, they played a favorite. Humble and Kind…I see a theme emerging.