Be still

finding the awe in stillness

Photo courtesy of Karen Davis

Finally back at my beloved writing desk, the skies out my window are blue, and the sun will set soon. I love the writing process, and boy, have I missed it, as well as you, my readers. As I draft this first post of 2023, please know how much I appreciate you.

Last month a few of my “Cool” friends, Nancy and Karen, held a holiday boutique selling their pottery. They only began making ceramics about a year ago. For novices, their work is quite lovely. I purchased a few pieces from each of them. But one, a small bowl, has been a silent reminder ever since I brought it home. 

The words adorning the bowl are “Be Still.”

I was drawn to the bowl the minute I saw it. Likely its message resonated with what I needed. Karen explained that the words were from a bible verse, Psalm 46:10, Be Still and Know that I am God. She also shared that a meditation group she had frequented would chant the prayer deleting the last word repeatedly until ending with just the word “Be.” I was captured.

Be Still and Know that I am God

Be Still and Know that I am 

Be Still and Know that I

Be Still and Know that

Be Still and Know

Be Still and

Be Still 

Be 

The bowl found its place on our kitchen island. I eyed it daily, finding comfort in the words, “Be Still.” I also began reciting the whole prayer in my mind, taking it down to “Be.” Simply lovely.

And then I got sick. Let me start by saying I’m not complaining about being sick. I haven’t been really down since 2018. So, all things considered, I’m feeling blessed. But this bug took me out. 

As life would have it, my illness coincided with the storms rocking our area. My incessant cough would rumble from somewhere deep, seeming to match the thunder rolling across our canyon, which appeared to be headed right toward our house. Several claps actually shook the rafters.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay. See that little red spot? That felt like our house!

I always look to Mother Nature for my guidance. She never lets me down. I’m the one that continuously lets her down as I often ignore her messages that surround me daily.

She had been sending her concern that it was time to slow down in the form of a message in a bowl, as well as a few days that I felt a little off, all of which I totally disregarded, charging full steam ahead. Like any good parent, she understood it was time to reign me in. 

This new year message has been as straightforward as it can be… it’s time to rest and cultivate the art of being still.

In hindsight, two weeks later, having had a great deal of time to reflect, with that sweet bowl reminding me every day, I’ve come away contemplating the importance of stillness and time alone to listen to my heart and take in all of nature’s abundant guidance.

I’m rethinking my ideas about 2023 and will be adding stillness as a priority, excited about the possibilities that will undoubtedly arise from spending more time in the awe of stillness.

Photo courtesy of Karen Davis.

Here’s to 2023 and finding those memorable moments in the stillness.

My thanks go to Karen Davis who publishes Life in the Real World for allowing me to use a few of her breathtaking photographs for this post. Karen shares weekly photo essays with her subscribers titled “Drops of Beauty.” I never miss opening one of her posts. They have a way of centering me especially if I’m not able to venture out into nature before my busy day begins. You can find her here.