I didn’t know I was seeking peace, until it found me. After several weeks of being focused on daunting work expectations, with seven days of presentations on top of my usual responsibilities, I was done.
Months earlier I had scheduled a trip to Oaxaca to write my book. Little did I know that it would be one of the most peaceful places I have experienced and that I needed it more than I had allowed myself to recognize.
Here is what I learned about the importance of finding peace:
NOISE POLLUTION IS REAL – SEEK QUIET
The amount of background noise in our lives is greater than most of us realize; we are so accustomed to it. While it is lovely where I live, there is always the sound of traffic, music playing and loud talking everywhere. I found peace in this quiet place. Only the sound of ocean waves. Sleep was deeper and more relaxing; I felt the tension leave my body.
A RESTFUL VIEW RESTORES YOUR SOUL
I love a long view – it always relaxes me. At home it’s the trees waving in the wind and clouds in the sky I watch. My favorite view is across a lake with all its colors and patterns reflecting the moods of the weather. But the view of the Pacific Ocean with waves crashing against rocky bluffs was stunning. I felt my soul go ahh.
NATURE’S BEAUTY REMINDS YOU WHAT IS IMPORTANT
The beauty of the blooming trees, like these I’ve never seen before was stunning. I watched Spring arrive in the short time I was there, from bare trees to leafing out with bright yellow and white blossoms bursting forth. There were colorful and big birds making loud mating calls, pigeons puffed up doing mating dances to seemingly uninterested partners. I was reminded we have a responsibility to be good stewards of nature and are failing terribly.
KINDNESS FROM STRANGERS IS HUMBLING
Most of all, I was struck by the kindness of strangers. The people we met are unusually gentle, and responsive, with ready smiles and kind words. In contrast to our cultures’ usual loud and demanding ways It was humbling. I felt put in check in a good way.
I hope you will give yourself the chance to discover what peace means for you and give yourself the likely long overdue chance to experience it.
