Sandy Supposes....

Namaste

September 8th Prompt: A practice I can begin to help me let go of negative emotions and return to a state of peace is ...

          I suppose we're not referring to tantrums in which items are flung willy-nilly, unrepeatable words turn the air blue, feet are stomped, arms wave wildly, jaws clamp, eyes glare and a temporary meltdown ensues. This explosive behaviour seems to work for some people. A certain person once acted like this when he discovered that the cathedral ceiling he climbed up a swaying ladder to access was for some inexplicable reason not built square to the outside wall. Tools flew through the air and clattered to the floor. The ladder shook. Witnesses slunk away.

         After this physical and loud reaction, the homeowner returned to his dilemma with a clear mind and a solution. He realised that he could accept the limitations of an older structure. His renovations were not wasted. He had just needed to vent his frustration.

          What practice could I begin to achieve a sense of peace? First I would ditch any and all electronics. Going cold turkey I'd leave my cell phone at home. Nothing is that earth-shatteringly important. For a respite no one needs to communicate with me. In my youth I survived without someone tracking my every move.

          I would seek the solace of a woodland hike. Free of traffic noise, I'd amble along. No shrieking sirens, no blaring horns, no engine rumbles, no squealing brakes,no grumbling exhausts. I'd revel in the warm sun and a gentle breeze caressing my skin.

         Quite possibly I'd notice a muted chick-a-dee-dee-dee echoing around me. Leaves might rustle as they swayed in the green canopy above me. From lofty branches a chirring might mark my trek into the forest. Blues, greys and reds could flash overhead. Shimmering fingers of sunlight would beckon me.

          A daily retreat to hike without an end goal, or a set time frame could be revitalizing. Setting one foot in front of the other and breathing at a steady pace, sounds relaxing. What am I waiting for?