THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021 - YOUR HAPPY PLACE

 THURSDAY,  FEBRUARY 4, 2021 - YOUR HAPPY PLACE

Do you have a happy place?  

A happy place might be real or imagined, it might be a place of solitude or a place of joy.  A definition from the web is:

“A place which a person associates with happiness, visualized as a means of reducing stress, calming down, etc.; a happy state of mind.”

I was meditating on my happy place this morning (this was written on Sunday, January 31st).  I was in my church.  It was quiet.  I was early for the service and I was alone in my pew. I generally go to an early service - and the January sun was streaming in the windows.  The pews are a lighter tan and were shining with the glory from the sun.  I also sit towards the front, so I was not seeing others slip into pews behind me.  There wasn’t any music yet, just a stillness.  Almost at the ceiling in the front is a window with a descending dove - symbolic of the Holy Spirit descending.  That stained glass window was also catching the majesty of the sun’s rays.

I was in a happy place - I could feel (really) the presence of God falling on me, engulfing me, encircling me in the warmth of real peace.  It wasn’t a long experience, but one of cleansing, of tranquility, and an intense quietness.  I needed this calmness flowing over and around me.

I needed comfort. My soul has longed for my family heavily these last few weeks. and was in agony over the estrangement.  I allowed my frustration at not hearing from my surgeon, from the vaccination that I have signed up for, and for the continuing devastation of the COVID pandemic.  From Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God” needed to get beyond my ears, and into my heart.  

There was a gentle soothing ointment being poured over my head -  an ointment of peace, contentedness, and of that deep infinite love.  

*****

It wasn’t a long experience and I didn’t need a long time, just a reminder that God has placed good in the world.  Soon other worshipers came in, my friend Blanche/Bianca sat about six feet away on my right and a senior couple sat about six feet away on my left.  It was a powerful time that didn’t need to last.

*****

So, a “Happy Place”.

I put a picture in today’s blog - a Super Happy Place.  It was the first time I met my twin grandchildren.  You can’t see, but I had happy tears streaming down my face.  My family is my Super Happy Place, but that has been closed to me (and I know I have hurt them with my gender transition, but I love my family so much!!!)

I have other happy places - some more real than others.  I love the bluffs along the Mississippi (and hope to be back in that area this coming summer for the 50th reunion of West Grant High School - where I taught for two years).  I want to drive down the narrow roads “hollows” they called them.  I want to stop and just be blest.

Another happy place is more in my brain than a reality.  It is a small basin at the bottom of an awesome waterfall.  The sun is streaming, the birds are chittering, the falls are cooing.  (And, since I am imagining it, there are NO flies, mosquitos or other pests!!)  There is a rock that is almost a chair, reclined just a little so I can lay back and smell the pine trees, or look up at fluffy white clouds,  The sun on my face - just enough so I can take a nap in the presence of God.  

*****

Do you have a ‘happy place’?  When do you go to your happy place?  

I almost hate to bring in a source, but I am:

https://www.livehappy.com/self/5-tips-find-your-own-happy-place - Five tips to find your own happy place.

(All quoted):

1. Recall places where you've appreciated the sound
Birds chirping, a brook babbling, beautiful music, people’s voices.

2. Summon up the places where you've enjoyed visual images
An open view of the sky or sea, pleasing colors, and shapes, inspiring art or architecture.

3. Choose a place where you can experience the elements that contribute to happiness
Exercise, social contact with happy people, creative flow, laughter. Quiet stillness can offer a feeling of being at peace that can last for a long time.”

4. Remember where you were when you experienced deep contentment and meaning
It could be the playground where you took your children when they were young; the animal shelter or food pantry where you volunteer; the café where you met your future spouse.

5. Stay open-minded
Studies show that spending just 20 minutes in nature boosts vitality levels significantly.

*****

Let me throw in one more happy place ideal - from an Old Testament King (David).

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths  for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23 - verses 1-3)

Can you picture lying down in those green, lush pastures?  Can you picture those quiet waters? Can you feel God refreshing your soul, your body, your mind?  

*****

So, as I have written this week about positive thoughts - and getting out of the ruts caused by isolation, COVID, family issues, world issues, and whatever else, going on a mini-’retreat’ in your mind might be just what you need.  

Find your happy place

Find the time to visit your happy place (at least mentally).  

Let God’s peace (however you view His/Her/It/the Force) surround you and transfigure you!!!

LOVE WINS!!!

Hugs!!

Karen