Weekend Meditation: Peace and Quiet

Dear Reader:

Forgive me. It's been a long, very full weekend. I ate quite well (several times, as a matter of fact), spent many hours with many good people and took part in several marvelous conversations. I also helped a friend in need, received unexpected gifts, took care of some old lingering business, cleaned out a few dusty corners and wrote up my Christmas list.

And now it is Sunday and in true Sabbath fashion, I just want to rest. I want to put down all the talking and opinions, all the doing and the getting and the to-and-fro-ing. I just want peace and quiet.

I got to thinking that maybe it's that way for you, too. Maybe you've done it all and then some this weekend. Maybe you could use a bit of silence, a few moments of hush where nothing needs to be said, or done, or decided.

So this Weekend Meditation is going to be short and sweet. In fact, it's almost over. Just one last thing. If you want, you can push back your chair, or close your laptop for a moment. Close your eyes, too. Place your attention on your belly and just follow the rise and fall of your breath for a minute. Or two. Go longer if you want. Or not.

Everything you need is right here.

Love,
Dana

(Image: Dana Velden)

Comments (9)

Reading this after a long shower and a house empty of in-laws. Bliss, if momentarily (they will be back shortly with the Christmas lights for a whole new round of chaos...)

I am reading this while doing a bit of laundry and not much else. I plan to finish up some Christmas cards today, watch some football, and relish the last day off before going back to the daily grind.

What a beautiful photo! Is it possible to get a higher resolution version?

Lovely. Yesterday, after a morning filled with a museum visit with friends, my husband & I enjoyed a few moments of quiet (and our children cooperated by playing quietly in their room!) to plan out our bedroom decor. Rarely do we get time in the afternoon to discuss such important matters!

@shrutishah. Why don't you contact me via The Kitchn (in the column on the left) and I'll send you a higher resolution. I'm happy that you like the image. Its a locally grown (SF area) dahlia. What you can't tell from this photo is that it was HUGE. Bigger than a salad plate.

We had a wonderful, relaxing time with some old friends. Truly, family is the people you choose to let into your life. I'm thankful because I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful way to spend the holiday! Now I'm home and gearing up for the next month. There's so much to do at home. Suddenly the holiday fell away. Your post was a good reminder to breathe!