I close my eyes.
Breathe. Breathe, and think nothing–deliberately think nothing: not thoughts about nothingness, but no thinking. Just feel. Feel my breathing. Let it slow and deepen. Sense how my lungs are filling and how cool and soothing the air can be. Feel the inside of my eyelids becoming less dry and harsh, softening with the renewing almost-tears that mark the relief of closing my eyes after too little sleep and too long a day to follow it. Breathe.
I can smell the familiar scent of my freshly washed shirt collar that’s pulled up close to my chin, not because I’m cold but because it’s a favorite and a comfortable, so-soft shirt. All I hear is the gentle whirring of the air through the house, the light flickering of leaves outside the window in the slightest breeze, and a bird not far away, practicing its sweet and simple arias without tiring. The sun’s warmth, coming in the window, is blushing its way through my eyelids but still I keep my eyes lightly closed. I am content to maintain my steady breaths, my slowness, my calm, my emptiness, and simply to feel. My pulse ticks softly, steadily, unhurried.
There is no need to think of anything just now. Nothing I could think would change what is real in my world or better my place in it, at the moment, so it is good to turn off the thinking and just let go of my usual tense grip on it all for a little while. The world will wait for me.
I can visit other worlds if I like. Sometimes, with my eyes closed, I will. I can make such wonderful worlds inside, when I wish.
But for now, what I want most is this silence that I have sorted out from what’s outside of me; these slow and steady and uncomplicated open spaces I am cultivating and embracing on the inside. The warmth of the sun, through glass, caressing my face. The depth of soothing air moving through my lungs in a grateful, peaceful sigh.
Everything that must Happen and Change and Do will have to wait for me while I am so very un-busy just being. That is enough for now; sitting, eyes closed, breathing, silent, open. For now, that is everything.
Art-Colored Glasses 
You took me to your place of peace and rest. Thank you!
You are so very welcome. One of the things that brings me the most peace and contentment is knowing that another is able to share in it!
Thank you for taking me with to your place of just being. Beautiful. Serene. Peaceful. Perfect.
🙂 Mandy
You are, of course, welcome here at any time–your company is part of what makes me so easily ‘find my happy place’!
K
awesome! peace.. c
My dear Celi, I think that for all that you’re one of the busiest people I know, you are also one of the few who seems to truly understand the kind of peace I’m talking about and comprehend its value. And by the way, when I’m not in an ’emptying out’ state, a lovely way to find my peace is to imagine I’m getting to hug Minty or TonTon or even Daisy ’round the neck for a bit! 😉
Peaceful practice, mind control, keeps us sharp & cool…
Would that I could remember this more often, but I’m rather hoping that putting it into print will at least nudge me to revisit the idea more frequently. 🙂
soothing!
Good–exactly what I hoped!
Loved this Kathryn, I feel great peace of mind from your words. 🙂
Then I am doubly glad.
xoxo, Eve!
Incredible, dear friend!
Thank you, Ted, and may you find many moments of such welcome peace always.
A little mind control. A bit of self-hypnosis. Whatever it takes to achieve peace.
I love those moments when I can feel it in my bones.
Thank you Kathryn..I think I needed to read this
I think I needed to write it to remind myself of it too! 🙂
Peace and joy to you, Sawsan.
Those photos are exquisite; they help a person breathe.
You are so sweet. I am very glad the images have this appropriate effect on you!
Ahhh…thank you for helping me to detach, relax and be in such an unhurried place! Lovely writing here, Kathryn!
Thank you, Diane, your work always gives me such a place of respite, too, that I’m delighted if I can return the favor!
xoxo