Soul rejuvenation: Finding that Special Place

Grandma's Porch--1982

When I was a little girl, my family would go to upstate New York every summer to visit my mother's family. We stayed at my grandma's house which was on the dairy farm and located on a dirt road. Right across the road was a large expanse of woods that I frequently loved to go exploring in. On one of my excursions in the woods, not far from Grandma's house I discovered a large, flat rock in the middle of a clearing. It was the perfect place to "sit for a spell" and it was just far enough from the road to feel secluded and quiet. Yet it was close enough that I could safely find my way back. It became my "Thinking Rock" and it was such a wonderful place that I could go for some quiet reflection and have the opportunity to take the time to think and enjoy the beauty of nature around me.

So year after year, I would go find that exact same spot with the huge flat stone to have some time to reflect. As the years rolled by I even went back as an adult but not quite sure I was able to find the exact same thinking rock. Nevertheless, it is a special place for me and I know that it brings to me a certain sense of calm and a measure of peace no matter what crazy things may be going on in the world. A somewhat Zen experience,. I am returning to New York this summer to visit family and I hope I can find the time to once again try to find my Thinking Rock. Even if I don't find the exact location and rock, at least I hope to have a few moments of reflection in the woods.

I truly believe that everyone should have a Special Place where you can reflect and be at peace with yourself. Sometimes in life one just needs to have an opportunity to disconnect from the complexities of life so we can rejuvenate our souls. We have been told the importance of helping support our mental health by finding times to reconnect with our own thoughts. The Sounds of Silence. With that in mind, I came across an interesting article detailing the benefits of this self-help. It is from a blog post on the Calm site from December of 2023. Here is a portion of the article::

How does quiet time support your wellbeing?

Silence isn't just about being away from noise and other stimuli. It's about giving yourself the space to grow, think, and breathe. Make quiet time a regular part of your day, and experience for yourself the many benefits it can bring.

1. Quiet time can help reduce stress 

Turn down the noise, and you’re more likely to be able to turn down the stress. When you're in a quiet place, your body is better able to relax. Your brain has a chance to stop being in overdrive, and you may feel the tension slip away. Next time you find yourself getting stressed, take a step back from the noise and let yourself unwind.

2. Quiet time can help improve mental clarity 

Clear your mind with quiet time. Without all the distractions, it can be easier to concentrate. Think of it as giving your brain a little vacation, so that when it's time to work again, you can show up with more energy and clarity.

3. Quiet time can help enhance creativity 

Quiet moments can spark your best ideas. When it's silent, your mind can wander and dream up all sorts of creative things. It's like planting a seed in a garden, nurturing it, and watching it grow.

4. Quiet time can help emotional regulation 

Silence gives you a chance to catch your breath and understand your feelings. It lets you press pause on a busy day and check in with yourself. This can help you feel more balanced and in control of your emotions.

5. Quiet time can help increase self-awareness 

It’s possible to learn more about yourself in the quiet moments. Listening to your thoughts when the world goes silent can help you get to know who you really are, leading to insights about yourself and your place in the world.

The article continues with several pointers for making sure you arrange for quiet time in your life. One of the important tips is finding a place you can go on a regular basis to find the sometimes elusive quiet time.

Actually, it's good to have several places, with some being closer to home so you don't have to jump on an airplane to get to. I have found a couple places that I know always help to lift my spirits. One is a local park right in my town and the other is about a 3 hour drive for me: Bayfield and the Apostle Islands.

Bayfield Harbor in the Fall

Since it is a 3 hour drive I don't get there too often, but it always brings me joy. I also have purchased several small tokens and posters to remind me of my "Special Place" when I can't be there. If I'm not there physically, at least I can take a mental "vacation" and visualize the beauty of the water and the boats sailing in and out of the harbor.

From a local perspective, and much easier to get to on a regular basis are two local parks right in my town. Depending on my mood, it's a toss up between the two and they each have interesting features. Each park has a unique way to provide to me not only a lovely place to walk, but also giving me that quiet time and renewal we all desire.

So here are a few favorite photos I have gathered locally. Bear in mind that the flowering crabs are not from this year, but in a few short weeks they will be in all their splendor. Do you have a special place that speaks to your heart and helps you to re-charge your batteries? I'm open to new ideas on where to find an additional special place. Enjoy the wonder of springtime. Julie Etta Smith

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