I would love to take credit for the idea behind this article but I must follow the dictates of conscience. It's not an original idea but I thought it was an excellent one. I therefore decided to use an available resource and get input from a virtual community to help with this article.
Stress is a natural part of everyday life. We’re all familiar with such commonly used expressions as, “I’m stressed out," “I’m under too much stress," “I’m dealing with more stress than I know what to do with," and “This is really stressing me out." Although everyone feels stress, defining just what it is can be hard because it can mean different things to different people and each person handles the stress they experience differently.
In some cases it takes concerted determination and persistence to learn how to either accept or change tense, stressful situations. Some people have a sacred place to help them refocus and reconnect with obvious blessings and reasons to be alive. Do you have a sacred place?
This virtual community was asked to respond to the following:
"Whether or not you would identify them as "holy" or "sacred": Where do you go to find solace, peace, consolation or deep internal quiet? What do you do? In a world laden with stress and turbulent news, what places or circumstances recharge your batteries, heal your hurts, and calm you?"
Some of the responses received were as follows:
From “Tom"—43 years old in MN “There is a place north of here that my father and I used to go to hunt. In 1979 he was diagnosed with cancer, 6 weeks later, he was gone. The very next season I went to that place, cried my eyes out, and didn't return for 10 years. Then, for a reason I can't define, I decided to revisit this place. While sitting in my stand, I began thinking about all that was wrong with my life. The biggest issue was that I was still single and really had no one to turn to if I needed help (moral support). While walking back to camp, the wind picked up. It was a brutally cold wind, so I stepped behind a huge pine tree for shelter. I remember looking up to the sky, as I was watching the clouds roll in, the shape of my fathers face appeared, and he was smiling. From that moment on, I knew what had happened was beyond any worldly explanation, and that this place was exactly where I should be. Since that day, whenever I get down or troubled with my life, I make it a point to go there to visit dad, cause he'll know what to do. Sounds strange, but after my visits, things have always worked out."
From “Suz" —46 years old in NC “I have discovered several special places of solace and peace in my world. This will seem strange to many, I am sure ...BUT my favorite place for solace is in my muscle car, driving very fast up a winding country road, shifting gears only by sound of the engine alone...no clutch...no tach...no radio...no phone; just my thoughts and me. It calms me and returns me to normal. (Whatever that is.)
My best spot for peace & prayer is camping out solo under the stars at night, just me and a sleeping bag and Jesus. He is always so Close.... it doesn't get any better for me than that. The prayers get answered and the sleep is deep!"
From “Philip"—36 years old in OH “Books, I love to read and often get lost in the books I read. So mine really isn't a physical place, but a mental one. It is what I find is the best way for me to relax and unwind. When I am sick or on the rare occasions my feelings are hurt I tend to get lost in a novel and at least for those moments forget how crummy I feel.
I have never met Stephen King, Clive Barker or Peter Straub but at times they are my best friends."
From “Colleen"— 33 years old in CA “I wish I could find that place right now, I don't know where it is. I have generally always been able to pull myself out of life's trenches and currently struggling sooo bad that this is a tough post. I have had it on my mind all night, all day for the last few weeks. So I am glad you and other's have that place right now. I pray I find mine again soon. Blessings!"
From “Joe"—47 years old in OH "My place of solace is in cemetery chapel, standing in front of my wife's urn, and just talking to her in my mind. It often brings tears and heartaches, but I find that an hour spent together now and then helps to ease my sense of loneliness and brings a little peace to my soul. When she was alive, she kept me grounded, and now that she's gone, well, lets just say that I miss her being around. Visiting with her there is about as close as I can get."
From “Laura"—46 years old in Oregon “My favorite place on the face of this planet is located just a short, beautiful two hour drive through the coastal range of Southern Oregon. The Jedediah Smith Stout Grove is east of Crescent City Ca. By far the most reverent surroundings I have ever known. I cry every time I hike those trails because I am so overcome with the genuine love of my Heavenly Father combined the magnificence of Mother Nature. My second all time favorite is a small, clear, spring-fed mountain lake located in the Red Butte Wilderness. The granite outcrops are great for sunning in the winter, surrounded by snow and perfect for launching, naked into the crystal clear water in summer. Somehow walking the quaint, cobblestone streets of Quebec with blooming flower boxes and open window cafes was a tender experience as well."
From “Mikel"—33 years old in CA “I have a place halfway between Orange County and San Diego. At night there is a cliff where you can feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves, but can't see a thing. There are no city lights and it's very dark and peaceful. But there are usually campers there, so there is is always help in case there was a medical emergency."
From “Abdul" —45 years old in FL “My place of solace may not be "holy" or "sacred" but I find most peace and tranquility 30 to 50 feet down into the Atlantic or the Caribbean. I love shooting the fish (with a camera). I find their curiosity of coming up to me and looking into my mask as if to say, "Knock, Knock, who's in there?" Or possibly saying, "Hey, for such a big fish, you don't look threatening." I like being in another world without ANY phones or car noises. I love the tranquility that lets me really think and appreciate those things God created that most of us take for granted."
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The answers given reaffirm how similar we are in our methods. We do many of the same things in regaining balance and a peaceful center. We may turn to nature or within and most of us recognizes God’s presence in it all.
Copyright (c) 2007 by
Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for Life
