Yesterday evening, I was struck by a sense of calm falling over me as I straightened my son’s playroom, collecting the loose toys and books strewn about after a long day. Like still waters in the bay after a storm.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked to improve awareness of my feelings and their origins. While returning the playthings to their baskets, I reflected on the peace settling in me. Where else do I feel this way? Where did these feelings come from?
My mind wandered to my bedroom, where the bed is neatly made and the temperature is cool. It reminded me of my old room in my college apartment, with its thin red curtains and perfectly falling light.
I thought of lying on the beach in the town where I grew up, listening to the waves. Of enjoying a cold beer in the water while watching the sunset. And finally, of rocking with my son in his quiet nursery while commotion reigned downstairs.
Then, I thought — What about these places, all so different, quiets my mind and brings me this ease? Let’s dig a little deeper.
The playroom and the nursery, well, those are easy. My son is my ultimate sense of wonder and tranquility. I watch him learn and explore every day in this space. Later, in the perfect stillness of his little nursery, we rock together, closed off from the rest of the world.
The beach in my hometown almost instantly returns me to some of the happiest times of my life. I grew up on those sands and in those waters — I lived and loved there. Countless days and hours with my closest family and friends, some still with us and others departed too soon. The memories are part of me, no matter how far away I am.
My bedroom in college was a sanctuary for me, my first home away from home that truly felt like mine. I studied there, endless hours spent writing into the night.
After long days of classes and even longer nights out, I came home to my room. I organized it. Decorated it. Furnished it (eventually). My now-husband and I spent the first night of our Junior year on the hard floor because my bed wouldn’t be delivered until the next day.
My bedroom today holds a similar sense of escape. It is relaxed and calm after busy days working and raising a toddler. It is comfort and closeness with family and the welcome of a deep night’s sleep when I need it most.
I like to reflect on these places that hold solace for me. I love realizing that most are connected to the people I love. Understanding where you go to find peace and why those places bring you comfort can teach you much about what is most important to you.
So, think about it today or the next time you feel an innate sense of calm washing over you. Where did it come from? Why? Chase down those thoughts and reflections — You might like what you find. At least, you might learn something about yourself.
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