Everything life is - all of the components of daily living - join together to form a web that encompasses every living being. No one is immune and yet, this system has survived generations upon generations.

When life proves to be less than perfect, many will turn to placing blame, or passing the buck to someone else. In turn, this kind of action will cause hurt or problems for a person who could have had absolutely nothing to do with our “bad” day. They were just there - kind of in the way - when we were seeking reprieve or solace from daily strife. There is a much better way to handle whatever your day will bring - try it - you will be very pleasantly surprised and energized to face whatever tomorrow will have in store for you.

This is not a magic pill or a wave of a wand - it is allowing yourself to quietly build a fortress in your heart that you can go to, to renew strength and find solace. The gift of nature allows each of us a cooling breeze when problems cause arid in our goals, and relentless storms in our undertakings and ventures. Turning to nature whether in reality or in our heart will guide us through those potentially devastating pitfalls we will have to endure - just because! Here’s how it works -

Whenever the pressure of the day or the thunder of hope fading away enters our private world, go down a path toward a cottage in the woods. Just picture it - you’re tired, defeated and your steps are very heavy. But there sits a cottage in your mind’s eye that has that glow of welcome surrounding it. Your heart is the doorway and inside you are always welcome. But the trip itself to get there is what alleviates the stress and tension. The path is lined with tall, strong pines that give renewed strength to your sagging will. They are proud and stately and have learned to bend just enough with the wind so as not to break. They sway with the breeze but do not give in. Many times their needles will be broken off, but new growth comes. There is a very special “flow” that nature has or “rhythm” that insures continuity and lays the groundwork for the future.

The ground is soft and has the aroma of warm earth. It is very distinctive and reassuring. Earth is very basic and gives life to the majestic trees as well as the velvety flowers that grow in places that you least expect. Their colors are a palette of tints that change with the seasons and melt into each other. They are smooth and soft or brazen and rich. They are

The radiant blue sky above serves as a canopy of light and shadow that lets imagination run free. The warming sun keeps thought at bay while a heavy heart finds ways to repair and renew itself. There in the fallen leaves that create a soft, warm bed is a tiny, newborn fawn. Its large gentle eyes take in the entire world, yet are unsure and take note of every movement. The ears are standing to insure that not one sound is undetected, but it filters most sounds to listen patiently for the return of its mother. Confidence is in its tiny heart and strength is growing in its long legs. It remains silent but not sleepy. You have the privilege of seeing this new life, but you have provided a lesson in its ever-expanding search for answers. There’s a clear lake to the right that reflects the color the sky and adds a touch of white with each breeze. A family of geese glide cautiously by with their soft, fuzzy goslings. A regal white swan and her new brood swim quietly in the cool water knowing that tomorrow is just over the horizon and a little past the sunset.

Just ahead is the cottage that you have been building since your birth. It is peaceful, serene and so inviting. The door is open and you need not knock. It is furnished with dreams and it glitters with hope. Goals line the walls and spirit brightens each corner. You can rest here until you are ready. Unburden your heart - and place the bundles of hurt or disappointment in the closet. They will be tended to when the time is right but they will not become a part of the cottage.

Once your strength has returned, you may return to your own reality. Before leaving, drink freely of the warm broth of ideas and taste the morsels of endurance. They reach into the closet for your bundles - but to your delight, they have become the sieze they should be - if indeed, they have not totally disappeared.

The trip to this magical place can take just a few moments in a busy day or a while longer at the end of the day. Whenever and for whatever time it takes to visit - you will be glad you did.

ENJOY !

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May

About the Author

Arleen Kaptur has written numerous articles, cookbooks, and the novel:
SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES
Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
http://topcia.com/lists.simpleliving