Finding Center
When the World Feels Too Big
Today the sky weeps almost frozen water, turning land to ice. I’m completing a 14-day cleanse, emotions rise to the surface and come ashore during my resting and retreating, and I’m at the threshold of a week holding three life-changing anniversaries. In times like these, when I recognize grief stirs, I turn to beauty and nature.
Warming up while sitting on the fireplace hearth, I searched iPhone photo memories from January 19, finding a 2019 Kasilof Beach sunset, along Cook Inlet and the Rim of Fire. Sometimes, when I find myself overthinking and overfeeling, I need to start close in. Lean in, step away from the big picture, and center in simplicity.
I find solace in Henri Nouwen’s insight that I first read decades ago, near some of the anniversaries that frame my life with lessons and a journey that couldn’t have been imagined. January 20, an adoption day becoming a Mother, a wedding on January 22, and a death day of my only son, January 24. I’m grateful for God’s grace and presence accompanying me and leading me to here and now.
Perhaps Nouwen’s words may speak to you too, especially with how life may lead us to places we’d rather not go. Then we get to choose our response, in the here and now, arriving again and again in the present moment.
“There are as many ways to pray as there are moments in life. Sometimes we seek out a quiet spot and want to be alone, sometimes we look for a friend and want to be together. Sometimes we like a book, sometimes we prefer music. Sometimes we want to sing out with hundreds, sometimes only whisper with a few. Sometimes we want to say it with words, sometimes in deep silence. In all these moments, we gradually make our lives more of a prayer and we open our hands to be led by God even to places we would rather not go.” - Henri Nouwen
Today, allow yourself to be drawn to what your soul needs. Is it the vast horizon view of mountains against sky? Or perhaps the intricate pattern of frost on a single stone? Where does beauty beckon you to pause, and feed your soul?
For Reflection
What calls you back to center when the world feels too expansive or overwhelming?
Where do you find beauty in the midst of winter seasons of your life?
When memories and anniversaries stir deep emotions, what helps you stay present with both the pain and the grace?
Consider a challenging anniversary or memory in your life. What beauty has emerged, unexpectedly, from that difficult time?
🩵🍀🤍 Consider a challenging anniversary or memory in your life. What beauty has emerged, unexpectedly, from that difficult time?
I love the idea of consciously tuning in to the quality of light throughout the day and night. Thanks! Remember: the world is in you not the other way around!