Family Legacy

Finding Peace in Places

“I need peace in my life.” This is the silent prayer that has looped through my head for years. Ever since I was in my teens, I’ve sought out perfect spots to find the silence needed to think.

The first I can remember was just a few short blocks from home, in a city park, on a little hill, in a community called North Haven. Whenever I felt like I needed peace, I’d go there, hop on a swing and let my feet pump me higher and higher until, on legs outstretched, they blocked Calgary’s city view on the horizon. Or, I’d sit on the swing with one toe pointed straight down into the red shale and rock from side to side, a metronome rhythm soothing away my stress. I always thought of this park as my little secret where I breathed in fresh air and breathed out worries.

Now the park equipment is modern and a tree blocks the skyline but, the swing is still there.
Now the park equipment is modern and a tree blocks the skyline but, the swing is still there.

As a young mother, my special place was at the Ghost Lake cabin. There is a perfect spot on the blue couch at the east end of the living area. From there, I could, and still do, look west to the Rocky Mountains and south to the lake with the rolling hills beyond. The best times were when my family would have the cabin to ourselves, just the four of us. The Consultant would “give Mom a break” by taking the kids to the park or out in the boat. I would relish the quiet to read and write. Or sometimes I’d simply appreciate the views while thinking about how our family was doing.

The saying, "The Mountains Bring Peace to the People" is true.
The saying, “The Mountains Bring Peace to the People” is especially true of the Chief.

When we bought our land at Duck Lake, Montana in 2000, I found a new special place. With no cell phone service, no Internet, and no TV, there are so many places around our property where my introspective self can find peace. Often, I’m alone on the deck or I can step over the bank down to the lake. From the shore, the presence of the mighty Chief Mountain makes my worries and cares seem miniscule. Peace at Duck Lake includes fishermen’s voices carrying over water to the shore, bird songs, and the buzz of a bee. Sometimes it’s just that hum of true quiet. Do you know it?

Canadian West Coast Favourite
Canadian west coast favourite

And then there is my all time favourite, the vast and mysterious ocean. It doesn’t matter where the ocean and I meet; it never lets me down. Peace. It expands out as far as the eye can see. The waves crash in and fold back out, turning sand and rocks into castanets and snare drums. It’s the whole package – the briny smell, the changing tide, perpetual motion made more magical by a splendid rising or setting sun. The ocean fills me up and sends me back to meet the world, happy.

So, how is my peace prayer answered? Each of these places has given me the needed space to ask myself, “How are you doing? What have you done well? What could you do better?” It’s in these places where I do my best work at sorting out confusion or any problems that come into my life.

They all have one thing in common, a beautiful view.

A beautiful view, for me, has a calming effect. The beat of my heart changes to a slower pace and I’m recharged. My focus is redirected to appreciation and gratitude.

When I take time out in one of these special places, I find my peace and all is good with my world.

 

Peace is not merely the absence of war.

It is also a state of mind.

Lasting peace can only come to peaceful people.”

– Jawaharial Nehru (1st Prime Minister of India)

 

How about you? Where do you find your peace?

 

As a mother of two grown children, I am transitioning through the empty nest and embracing my writing life. My desire is to connect family by sharing legacy stories and my hope is that I inspire you to do the same. Together with my children, we venture into new lives, full of optimism and excitement!

5 Comments

  • Dottie

    Loved this post. Mountains also bring me peace, and being among trees. Since I live alone, I find peace in the space where I live. I love coming home after any activity and shutting my door and closing out the rest of the world After living with someone my entire life, being alone in my home feels freeing and peaceful. Quiet often brings me peace, too, if I don’t let my mind interfere with constant chatter. I don’t need background sounds or music; silence is my friend most of the time. I loved hearing about your peaceful places. Beautiful words and pictures. Thanks for bringing the word “peace” into my consciousness and helping me think about it for a while.

    • My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)

      I was just telling a friend how much peace I find by being alone in my own house in the quiet. I hear ya, sister!

  • Saying Kaddish

    Like Dottie, I love this post. And my write for our next Heart Writers call is about this same thing. Your writing is truly poetic and it touches the fibers of my being. As a kid, I loved swinging on swings and watching to see how high my feet could extend into the air. The sound of the ocean always brings me peace and it is the place I retreat to when I need to feel restored and rejuvenated. We have so much in common. I feel even closer to you than ever before now knowing that our peace centers are so similar.

  • Sarah Birnbach

    I almost forgot to mention the sugar maple tree in our backyard in Baldwin, New York. I would climb that tree, always to my mother’s chagrin, when I wanted or needed to be alone.

    • My Life After Kids (Kathi Ostrom)

      I love the visual of you as a little girl in the tree. The one time I climbed a tree, I got stuck and my best friend had to run for help. NOT very peaceful, I afraid! I’m glad we connected on this post. 🙂

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