May 24, 2011

still



The calm before the storm is always filled with that moment of absolute stillness.

Nothing moves, the birds grow quiet, the air grows damp, and heavy. If you listen, you can hear the thunder rumbling in the distance, sounds of discontent and change, you might even see a bit of lightning that illuminates all the flaws and stark realities of the world around you.

But right now, right here, just in front of you, there is an oasis of peace and quiet. It's only going to last a moment, if you blink, it might be gone.

Breathe it in, be still, close your eyes.

Let your mind wander just a little, remember a smile, or a hug, or the way your daughter made you tea that day you had to work so hard. Cherish this moment. Cherish something. A memory, a paragraph, a single blossom in a vase on the table.

Reach your hand across the table to someone that you love. Pet the kitten that purrs by your side, or the dog that sleeps at your feet. Blow a kiss to your son as he races out the door.

It only takes a moment.

And then faintly, that bell will start tinkling, breezes will filter through leaves and blossoms, and that calm, that stillness, will move on to another place, another garden, another room.

But some days, if you're lucky, you can keep a tiny piece of it in your heart,

and some days, that's enough.

15 comments:

skye said...

You touch my heart, Kelly.

ELK said...

lovely thoughts and image

Reena said...

Lovely words that touch my heart. I love that still moment just before a storm.

Roxanne said...

I love how you built the notion of 'enoughness' into this. I am picturing stillness, and the weight of the photo, and - yes - enoughness. Your words and the images they created are accompanying me through my day.

Geri said...

Really beautiful and love the purple and green in the background!

Tess The Bold Life said...

This is simply beautiful!

Seawashed said...

this is beautiful.

Anna said...

I do love those moments in nature and life, where time stands still - that moment of quiet repose and then, sometimes comes the storm! Soaking in those precious moments does help us handle the "storms". You always come up with a unique post idea, or twist of thought. Much enjoyed!

Valeria said...

Your words... wow... they transport me to that silent moment and I really needed. Great photo, great post. Thank you for that.

joco said...

The precarious TDC
(Top Dead Centre).
Tension and danger surprisingly add up to peace.

Lisa Gordon said...

Wonderful post, and beautiful photograph Kelly!!

Lori said...

Oh sweet, I love this!

Laura lok said...

what a lovely blog post

MrsWhich said...

That moment. (I'm listening)

Karen said...

Wonderful words and a beautiful picture.