As I went to bed, I knew my morning was going to be problematic. A combination of a fever, cough, and being beyond exhausted were leading indicators for a night of limited sleep. I did all that I knew and more to give my body a fighting chance. While the next ten hours helped, it was not enough.
The dawn saw short notes to critical contacts letting them know I was working from home and available on my mobile. With plenty of water, gentle sounds, and a sense of peace, I pushed myself into the tasks at hand. I reflected on the places where I found refuge. These were places that restored my heart and refilled the reservoir of hope within. They include the following.
Places of quiet beauty. While the settings do not need to be silent, I have found that natural sounds and beauty restore and repairs. The beauty can be something I see everyday, but point is that I let myself linger. In letting myself be in and amount quiet beauty, I release divine endorphins to begin the process of repairing my damaged spirit.
Places of silence. I know that this is not a comfort zone for most. I also know that silence is, for me, a door to an emergency room for my soul. It is in silence that I am challenged to let Divinity performs its most difficult surgery. It is in silence where I discover the heart of truths and issues. It is here that great battles are waged, some continuing through to this day.
Places where God is revered. There are truth pearls to be found and appreciated in every place of spirit reverence. Temples, mosques, and churches are examples. Meditation spots and memorials fit the bill. Especially when combined with silence, I see these as ERs and Gyms for my soul. It is here that God’s presence can always be found. It is here that “God became my hideout; God was my high mountain retreat.” (Psalm 94.22)
The day of recovery helped me face the battles that continue.
