Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Quiet Corners

Practice the art of aloneness and you will discover the treasure of tranquility. Develop the art of solitude and you will unearth the gift of serenity.
– William Arthur Ward

Do you long for a quiet corner? A place to get away from the outside world, To retreat from the overload of daily life, rush-hour traffic, insistent telephones, unending e-mail messages. You are not alone. Some people have discovered “sanctuaries” where guests can gain distance from the overload, eat simple meals in quiet surroundings, stroll on winding trails through forest and canyon, contemplate, and pray. One visitor described it as a “detox center” for her soul.

A “sanctuary” retreat isn’t always possible, but you can create your own private haven at home, an oasis where you can spend some downtime. Settle into a spot where you can relax your mind – a windswept beach, a shady garden, a comfortable chair on the front porch- and unwind after the rigors of the day.

Solitude can be your best companion. In the stillness of your heart, you can regenerate and renew. Nothing is more soothing than solitude. Make an appointment with yourself for quiet time in your own little corner of the world. Prepare yourself to leave behind agendas, schedules, and lists. Deliberately let go of your cares (both body and mind). Allow the universe to restore you to wholeness, give you new perspective, refresh your mind, and refuel you to move through whatever tomorrow may bring.

There is a time to be, simply to be, that time in which our inner voice tells us who we are and what we are to become. It is the time that our emptiness is taken up and we are filled with whatever is needed for us to grow from strength to strength.

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