“Perhaps peace is not found in a place, but within one’s own self.”
A quote I recently read from a book. Captain Lacey is a retired soldier in 17th century England who is restless, bored and some how often finds himself in the middle of a unsolvable mystery. Great guy. I think I’ve fallen in love with him already.
At first thought, it does make sense. How can one find peace in a place when one’s heart and mind are in turmoil?
But then I think about my recent vacation at an almost empty resort in northern Puerto Rico, just 30 minutes from San Juan. The beach visible from our balcony, the palms gently swaying in the evening breeze, the laughter of good friends drifting from inside, the calm, unwavering stare of our new watchman, Henry. (a foot long iguana who rested on a palm outside of our condo. I think he viewed us as encroaching upon his territory) Although I didn’t get to rest as much as I would have normally liked to, it was still a peaceful place. A nice time out from life. I love those!
Then I think about last year about this time. 2 days spent in a small California town on the beach. Days spent laying on the beach, listening to the waves crash against the shore, watching children frolic in the ocean and the seagulls squawking and swooping. Quite the idyllic scene, right?
And I’m reminded of a dawn breaking across an isolated beach just north of Charleston, SC. Though I missed seeing a sunrise over the ocean, it was a serene morning spent searching for seashells. The rain chased us in, but even that was nice!
So while peace begins within, peace can be found by removing one’s self from whatever causes the distress. Or by listening to music that soothes. Or talking to a friend who knows how to listen and lend a sympathetic ear.
Of course, the peace found in places, music and friends is a temporary peace until one finds peace within one’s self.
Note to self #3,452: Seek an inner peace. (something tells me it will be found “on my knees”)
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