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
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteGreat captures of the starlings. The daffodils and Buddha are a favorite, so pretty.
Your photos are lovely, peaceful scenes. We all need peaceful places to enjoy. Escape the chaos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your day and happy weekend.
The birds are my angels now. I especially love the last few lines of your poem.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful and calming post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat post with photos and a poem.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting that we can't wait for things to settle down before we find peace. We need to find the peace among the chaos.
First comes the chaos and then comes peace (yin and yang). The photographs of the birds on the limb is taken with such patience and joy.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. Your garden Buddha and the gentle symbols you share beautifully remind us of inner peace. The poem perfectly captures that quiet strength.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a peaceful and thoughtful post. I love how you describe calm as something that can surprise us, like a bird landing quietly. Your garden Buddha sounds like a lovely reminder to stay grounded. 🌿
ReplyDeleteI liked your poem about your garden Buddha. I have one of those too. They do exude a quiet calm that seems to settle over the garden around them. Your poem says it well. Suzanne - Wayfaring blog - Wordpress
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and calming post. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos and beautiful poem as well.
ReplyDeleteHello :)
ReplyDeleteLovely poem, I don't have a Buddha but I wear a cross around my neck and it gives me joy to wear it. No one has mentioned love, but giving and receiving love gives me an inner peace that sustains my body and gives me peace of mind.
Cultivating that center of calm is a survival skill now. Some days are better than others, but that just gives me an opportunity to strengthen my compassion.
ReplyDeleteI have a brass Buddha that sits in my office at home. He has moved several places with me, and never complained.
ReplyDeleteI agree that gardens and greenery can have a very calming effect.
ReplyDelete