As I look back on the past year, it is easy to be discouraged by what is happening around us. Chaos seems to abound on many fronts, much of it accompanied by needless suffering. There is so much good happening in the world, but I have to look for it some days. I went back to an excerpt from my book, Becomng of Age and wanted to share the following with you. It was a reminder for me that it is possible to embody calm and peace in our lives, even as we sit on the edge of chaos.
There is a sliver of a space that exists on the edge of chaos. On the side, live unwelcome feelings and experiences that vex my soul, while peace, calm, equanimity are on the other.
Even when all around me is calm, chaos can plant its seed and grow, creating an inner storm that can tear apart any sense of tranquillity, leaving me frantic with worry and fear.
Chaos is a house of mayhem: confusion, disarray, and upheaval, all masked as pressing business to be attended. It argues incessantly and noisily. It clamors; it opines; it’s obsequious and then pounces. It houses my shadow self.
In the liminal space, the physical distance between the chaos and calm, I must decide where I want to be. I’m welcome to enter both. One tugs and noisily implores; the other welcomes and waits patiently. Where am I?
I long to inhabit the house of calm, to be still in the place that welcomes me with a smile. It extends warm hospitality to me even as the chaos tries to sow discord and doubt.
There’s no use running from the turmoil. I welcome it to join me, and it acquiesces and surrenders to the silence of the quiet place. The spaciousness envelopes me in warmth and love.
Captivated, I dwell within. Anchored in peace.
Becoming of Age 
This really resonates with me at this particular time…thank you.