Sometimes life can be overwhelming. Sometimes I get tired both physically and mentally because I have responsibilities, emotional problems, disappointments and stress in my daily life. There's a lot of noise, pressure, and distractions in this world and I'm very grateful for a place of peace. When life becomes too difficult, I always go to my favorite safe place, where I can be alone with God, reflect, pray and let my heart relax.
For many, relaxation can be spending time away at a pleasant destination, shopping, spending time with friends, or other activities. Sometimes those things can really help, but not for me, the peace I find is in silence and connection with Spirit. I don't necessarily live in a luxury place. Most of the time, it's right in my room, particularly in the early morning and late at night when there is quiet everywhere. I will occasionally sit by the window as the cool air enters slowly. Sometimes I play soft worship music to listen to when I pray or when I'm in my head thinking about life.
The thing that makes this place special to me is the peace I get when I'm there. It is a place where I can take off all the pressure from my shoulders, and can get my voice out from my heart. This peaceful environment, I do not have to fake being strong or to mask my emotions. I can cry, pray, reflect and pour out all my heart without fear or judgement. It helps me emotionally and spiritually to become stronger during those times.
One reason I deeply love my safe haven is because the world today is very noisy. The mind can be easily restless because of social media, expectations from others, own objectives, financial concerns, and various other life circumstances. Even with others around them, emotions can be exhausted. Hence my love for quiet moments. They are a form of atmosphere that takes me away from pressure and bring me back to inner peace.
I always read my Bible when I go to my safe place and God's word gives me much comfort. There is one scripture that is always on my mind—Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” That verse is a reminder to me that sometimes in life, we don't need to fear or panic during battle. God sometimes just wants us to relax our hearts and believe Him, no matter how it doesn't make sense.
I also enjoy my safe haven because it allows for a clear mind. I have been in a situation in my life where I was unsure about the direction of my life, where I had some anxieties, and where I had some disappointments and felt emotionally exhausted. In those times, it was helpful for me to spend some quiet time alone to help organize my thoughts and to help calm my emotions. I didn't let anxiety take over, I slowed down and really thought about things.
I have one particular season in my life that I remember, where I was really going through an emotional and mental season. I was feeling discouraged because some of the things that I prayed for and hoped for weren't actually happening as I had envisioned. Each day was a burden and my thoughts were filled with fears. One night when I was utterly tired, I wanted to turn off all the lights, getting away from all distractions and spending some time in prayer, alone. Sitting silently for a long time, I spoke to God honestly about my fears, pain, and confusion. As I prayed and listened to soft worship music, I felt a peace come over my heart. I didn't know how to describe it, but as if God was saying, “Hey, you're not alone.
At that time something changed in me. The issues remained but my heart was lighter. I built my courage to go on. Ever since, I'd learned that the real secret of relaxation wasn't only to relax the body. True relaxation is when, during difficult times, the heart is at ease.
The other amazing aspect of my safe haven is that it enables me to grow into the person that I am. I'm able to think about my objectives, errors, dreams, and personal development in silence. I can honestly review my life without distractions. In our rush to 'survive' sometimes we neglect our inner peace. When there's a quiet time I reconnect with myself again.
I also feel everyone should have a safe environment in which they can breath easily without pressure. Life is tough enough without a stressful environment where mind and heart are stressed. It doesn't need to be costly and fancy. It is the comfort, peace, and emotional healing that the space brings that is most important.
I found my favorite sanctuary to be resting in the presence of God in a quiet space to pray sincerely, to think deeply and to rest my heart from the stresses of life. When life gets too hard for me, it brings me peace, strength, healing and hope. Even if I find myself in the worst of times, I know where my heart will always find rest. It's more than just a place for me, it's a place of refreshing my soul.
Thank you for reading.
This post is in response to ladiesofhive community contest #290. Feel free to join this contest here 👇👇
