I’ve been thinking a lot this week about peace. More specifically about places of peace in my home, where I feel at ease and calm, and more importantly, where I can breathe. I’ve started to contemplate having a home that is a sanctuary amidst chaos and the every day roller coaster of life.
Something new that I’ve started doing lately, is a daily routine that helps me stay on schedule and focused throughout the day. Part of that routine is spending some solid time in the morning doing yoga and meditating while I have a smoothie. I go through my planner and make a list of what I want to accomplish that day. This time has really become so vital to starting off my day. Sometimes I have music playing, and other times I like it silent, listening to the sounds of the world waking up outside my window. I started to notice how much I truly loved these quiet little moments of solitary peace. It’s like my brain could work properly and the noise in my head finally quieted down.
As someone who struggles with depression, and has a lot of problems with the negative voices in my head, being able to shut out the world for a while and enter a peaceful place is super important to my health. I need a place to release the tension and stresses that sneak their way into my daily life, and hang on like a traincar of baggage.
The best way I know how to do this, is having moments throughout the day where I can stop, breathe, and unplug. A re-charging session, if you will. In my house, there are three specific places that I define as Places of Peace. The first is my screened in porch. It’s a great spot in the morning, with a cool breeze and a cup of hot tea. In the afternoon, it’s bathed in sunlight, and Miracle, Bunty, and I like to lounge for a bit with good book. Another spot for me is my piano, where I play music that I’ve written, or from my piano books. Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame has been my most recent favorite. I like that I can get lost in the music. Everything else seems to fade away and disappear. I focus on the sounds and my fingers moving across the keys. Whether or not there are dishes in the sink doesn’t even cross my mind.
The third spot for me is my desk. When we moved into the apartment, I decided I wanted a desk right by the window (even though I didn’t even have a desk yet). I’m a huge fan of natural light, and the window ledge is the perfect height for Bunty to climb on up and keep me company. I usually do some work here, or occasionally do art or coloring. While it’s sort of a multi purpose space, I love that it’s my own little corner of sunshine and peace.
What is someplace in your home where you find peace? Someplace you find comfort and rest in, where you feel like you can breathe. Let me know about it!
