By Cecilia Holling

One day, in the midst of my wild paced life, I hit a wall (not literally of course). I realized I was so disconnected from my uncomplicated past that I needed a drastic change. I made a decision to schedule a very important activity in my day, “simple ME time.”

At dawn I stepped outside my front door. The sun peaked out at the horizon and the brisk spring morning air caused a tranquil mix of tepid warmth and cool morning dew. I closed my eyes, breathed deep and stood still.

I meditated in the quiet until the silence was broken by layers and harmony of sweet chirping birds seeming to wake the world person by person. A spirit then tickled my dull senses. It wasn’t long before a peaceful essence cued me to open my eyes and I began to walk.

I strolled without a hurried feeling in my body. I witnessed sleeping flowers awaken and bloom with the first hints of the morning sun and observed humming birds feed off the nectar of blossoms. I could smell the sweet aroma of honeysuckle shrubs that filled the brisk morning air like perfume. So early and perfect was that time when the darkness from the parcours obstacle gonflable night harmonized with the first light of day creating a flawless golden dawn.

As if summoned by a magnetic energy my thoughts now turned to my spiritual self. I commenced a heartfelt prayer to my Creator giving thanks as my sleepy spirit awakened to His presence. I felt live pulsations that pushed blood through my veins and vital organs that gave me life. I now felt a soul that had been roused.

I was reminded that I could once again enjoy simplicities and that I had control over the extreme burdens and responsibilities I placed on my life. My spirit now stirred stroked gently at my faith and I knew with clarity the message and simple truth that I sought, “Beneath the foolish tiring tiers of life I created, I was missing the peace of God’s love and blessings.” It was then I really began my walk.

Then, like a bolt of lightning, metal garage doors began to open and families jabbed each other with harsh and hurried first morning conversations as they rushed off to their morning destinations. Other walkers were now moving and noticeably keeping to their side of the street. They passed me without even a glance. The unrivaled earthy tranquility had faded away.

Fighting hard to stay in that intimate place I began to wrestle with a disturbing thought: “Will I return to dreariness, be robbed of peace and consciousness of my blessings and re-join the fast-paced life and harsh disregard for common kindnesses, gratefulness, and thankfulness?

I now ease into my mornings with a walk and moments of peace that continually set the tone for my day. These special moments offer hope, remind me of everyday simplicities, and give my heart what it needs to carry on.