The Power Of Water

By Cathy

Breaking waves, splashing fountains, gurgling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and dripping rain are incredibly soothing to listen to. When I reach a point where I’m stressed by everyday living and the many sounds that bombard me, something deep inside draws me to water.

I could sit for hours beside water, mesmerized by its sound, motion and color.

It doesn’t even have to be a lot of water. It can be a serene lake, a water fountain in a garden, a stream in the woods, or the sound of running bath water. All of these have the ability to take my mind to a peaceful place and give me a feeling of awe.

The calming effects of water is nothing new. In early Rome, baths were an important part of their life. There were pools that were thought to bring healing and there were baths where citizens went to find relaxation and to connect with others in a calm setting. I live near Hot Springs National Park which has been nicknamed “The American Spa.” Hot water that averages 143 degrees Fahrenheit flows out of the mountain from several springs. The first people to take advantage of the thermal springs were local Native Americans who build their sweat lodges near the springs. In the early 1800’s the springs were guaranteed as safe-to-drink water and bathing houses were established. Rich and poor came to bath in the soothing hot waters; to heal and relax. I’ve not taken a hot bath in the still existing bath houses, but I have enjoyed being near the springs and watching the stream rise as it meets the cooler air.

Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, believes that we all have a “blue mind . . . a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment” that is triggered when we’re in or near water. I have to agree with him. When I’m near water I am calm, peaceful, happy, and satisfied with life.

If you can, treat yourself to the relaxation of water. Take a walk by the river or along a sandy beach. Sit quietly and be soothed by the sound of a waterfall or fountain. Take the time to relax, to daydream, and to restore your mind. Maybe you don’t have time for an outing, then simply wash the dishes or drink a glass of water. Whatever you do, stop to admire and appreciate the life-giving qualities of water.

In Search Of Quiet

By Cathy

In these times of such horror and uncertainty we need a place of quiet where we can forget for a few moments what is happening around us; a place where we can shut out the world and let our minds rest and our hearts heal. I am drawn to a rather unusual spot for quietness and resting. I am drawn to cemeteries. I know that sounds exactly the opposite of what I would need, but in truth I always find peace and quiet there. Whether it is a small family burial ground, a graveyard nestled beside a country church, or a historic cemetery with large obelisks, pillars, and mausoleums, they all draw me in. As soon as I enter the gate a sense of peace flows over me. As I breathe deeply I close my eyes, hear the birds in the trees, feel the breeze on my face, and just be. I begin to relax.

When I mention to people how I am drawn to cemeteries they look at me in horror and disbelief. They only think of cemeteries as a place of sorrow, but I don’t quite think that way. As I wander through a cemetery I see how much those who are buried there were loved. Someone loved and honored them enough to erect a monument of beauty whether it was a simple field stone or an elaborate marker. There will always be sadness in cemeteries, loved ones are deeply missed, but there is also beauty and history.

I especially love to wander the older church cemeteries. This small white church was a one-room schoolhouse where my great-grandmother attended school in the late 1800’s. The cemetery also has special meaning to me. It is where my father’s family is buried. I can look at the names and the dates on the markers and with a little research, I can figure out how they fit into the puzzle of our family history.

In older cemeteries some of the stones have been hand carved. Slowly the stone has been chipped away as a name and dates were added. I had seen this simple hand carved marker many times, but until I did some ancestry research I didn’t know that Willie H. Collier was my grandmother’s sister. I stood there wondering who carved these words in her stone. Her brother? Her spouse? I'll never know, but it is very special to see this handwriting. Head stones tell a story, offer inspiring words, and represent a traceable history.

Other cemeteries are more elaborate with huge monuments, many of them erected to show the status in the community of the deceased. These large monuments are beautiful pieces of art. Some of the older intricate designs have been chiseled by hand. Skilled carvers created masterpieces on stone that have lasted for generations.

Many family plots are surrounded by stones, concrete or wrought iron fences. Sometimes within those fences are rose bushes. Just the smell of old roses can bring peace and comfort.

Although I’m fascinated by the artwork of elaborate stones, it is the simple stones that I am drawn to. Maybe there wasn’t enough money to erect a large elaborate stone or maybe they were passing through and there was no time to carve or purchase a stone, whatever the reason, they still wanted to honor their loved one.

I always leave a cemetery with a feeling of peace and the reminder that life is very short. I leave with a desire to fully live each moment of my life. I hope that you can find a quiet place. I hope that you can spend time there to restore your mind and heart.

“It matters not how long we live, but how.”

Philip James Bailey

By Cathy

Being by myself

Being alone

Those words don’t bring fear.

They don’t cause my heart to race.

In fact, solitary activities bring me pleasure.

When I was about two, my sister and I spent a few days with my grandmother. The story goes that she was extremely worried and told my mother that “Something is wrong with Cathy. She just sits in the corner and plays all by herself? That is not normal!” I was told this story and for a long time I believed it. Well, Nanny, there is nothing wrong with me. It is just who I am. I am a quiet person. I am a loner. I am part of the group of individuals who prefer solitude. We are content to have very limited social interaction and do not feel lonely when we are alone.

Life does not allow me to be by myself and I really wouldn’t want it that way. I have responsibilities. I have family and friends. Neglecting them would be a terrible mistake. There are times though, when life rushes madly around me and the company of others brings stress and even panic, that I know it is time for solitude.  I have a favorite place to escape life’s chatter; a quiet park with a beautiful lake and trails meandering through flower gardens and woods.

As soon as I get out of the car I feel the peacefulness beginning to restores me. I walk slowly along the water’s edge headed to my favorite spot, the gazebo. There is a bench facing the lake, but I would rather sit on the steps of the gazebo as close to the water as I can get.

I close my eyes and listen to the gentle flow of water, a woodpecker looking for his noon meal, various song birds, and a frog jumping in the water with a splash. Then, with my eyes still closed I begin to feel. I feel the breeze as it caresses my face and the sunlight on my shoulders. Peace just seems to flood right through me.

When I open my eyes I see small waves sparkling with sunlight, two graceful swans, trees beginning to bud, and the most glorious blue sky. I see moss covered rocks and yellow daffodils dancing in the wind. I see a large back moth and a buzzing bee.

I smile. I am happy. I am content. I am grateful. I am blessed.

Do you take the time to nourish yourself, to rest, to relax? When life has been overwhelming do you read, have a cup of tea, take a walk, listen to music, take a long hot bath or just sit quietly?  One of the most important things we can do is to take time for ourselves. It is not selfish, it is necessary!  I hope you’ll carve a little time into your schedule each week for yourself and do something that makes you happy. Because happiness brings smiles and smiles are contagious!