Anxiety doesn't want to be met with more anxiety. Calm is required when overwhelming tasks are ahead and it occasionally arrives by taking extended deep breaths or found in symbols of quiet fortitude like that of my garden Buddha friend.
Positive reminders can mean a lot for what they represent. As I understand it, Buddhism is not about denying the ups and downs of our emotions and struggles but rather the cultivation of inner stability in a world rife with human-caused chaos and natural disasters. My garden Buddha has sat in my garden for years to inspire, not saying a word, but resulting in my few words for
Poets and Storytellers United and
What's Going On.
Sometimes serenity is just a thought or glance away from the fray of everyday.
A stirring line in a poem, a fleet of clouds, a whisper of waves by the water or ripples in the sand suggest there is more than we know to life's story.
Calm can arrive by surprise like a bird that lands lightly on a branch unexpectedly.
Explore more at
What's Going On,
Poets and Storytellers United,
SKYWATCH and
Saturday's Critters.
Beautifully apt observations. Calmness during unsettled circumstances strengthens. Thank you for your insights.
ReplyDeleteMaria - I have needed this recently - some calming words, calming thoughts, calming images. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI most enjoy the Buddha poem, with the "rain that runs down the etch of your face." Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, it is so important for each of us to find a way to keep calm. I feel a bit calmer after having read your words.
ReplyDeleteWe do need an inner garden with The Garden Buddha. I truly enjoyed your serene lines. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, and message. Your words are affirming and heartening, your photos beautiful. I especially appreciate the link to the climate change report.
ReplyDeleteLoving your calm water and gray skies, it's much the sane here right now but its Autumn.
ReplyDeletePerfect post for current times!
ReplyDeleteA serene, beautiful poem. We all need a calming Buddha these days or your poem
ReplyDeletevery timely
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and commentary. Peace.
ReplyDeleteA lovely, contemplative post.
ReplyDeleteGreat.
ReplyDeleteWe do so need to stop, contemplate, reflect and unwind - especially so in these mad, uncertain and challenging times we live in. A buddha statue in your garden gave you a gift of that serene moment described in your fine poem.
ReplyDeletewonderful words and photos of calm ~ we need serenity ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Lovely pics and calming words.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I need a place of peace today.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful phrase, 'quiet fortitude.' As are 'daily sombres', 'the fray of everyday' and a number of others. How lovely that your Buddha statue helps you attain inner peace.
ReplyDeleteI love your symbols of calm: the Buddha - and of course nature...
ReplyDeleteI have my Buddha statue sitting on my desk. He does bring me a sense of calm in the midst of chaos (you should see my "office. " It looks like a bomb went off. Needs serious de-cluttering. ) Thanks as always for your postings here! :)
A lovely collection of thoughts and images, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully calm and comforting post - Jae
ReplyDelete