Located less than a half mile from our door, I’ve come to think of this bench as my serenity bench. A peaceful location to lift lids and check the progress on various pots simmering on the back burner of my mind.
In front, the Boise River moves languidly, dotted every now and again with Canadian geese and mallard ducks. Behind, I hear the chick-chick sound of birds and squirrels rustling for food; nature’s addition to the hushed steps of walkers on the Greenbelt — a peaceful serenade.
This serenity bench is my go-to place for plunging into some of the deeper pools of thought, and letting go of perceived control — allowing myself to be breathed by that which is greater than I.
Where is your “serenity bench?”
The whole of my back garden is my “serenity bench”, Laurie, and I actually do have a quiet seating area (complete with a little table for my coffee cup) which overlooks the valley and the mountains. Water is a great calmer of the mind too, a perfect location for you to check on those simmering pots. 🙂
Joanne – overlooking the valley and mountains, your “serenity bench” sounds absolutely lovely! 🙂
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Nomzi – Thank you for popping in 🙂
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Looks beautiful and peaceful Laurie. Mine is the bush outside my back door. Nature has a way to connect us back to this precious moment.
Karen
Karen – Nature, indeed. I call Nature “Vitamin N” — I can’t live without it 🙂
This is lovely!
Cindy – I’m glad you enjoyed the view 🙂
I carry my serenity bench with me or find one in my immediate surroundings because I may have to be gone from home for 19 hours on any given day. It can be a word I carry in my head that centers me. It can be a photo or statue at my office. It can be a tree, bush, or bird soaring in the sky. I can pick anything and give it that purpose.
Barbara – I love that your “serenity bench” morphs, so it’s totally transportable! 🙂
It is so sweet when we find those places that seem to suggest or invite us to, slow down, or even rest for awhile. Allowing us to unwrap our daily lives. My walks in nature or just the observation of nature along a walk, allows me to be present. This is an ordinary daily event for me, Muffin and my camera. Being at One with it all!
Jeff – I love (absolutely love!) your observation, “Allowing us to unwrap our daily lives.” Thank you. I’m going to hang on to that like a smooth pebble 🙂
Your serenity bench–well, area–is lovely, Laurie. I don’t have a place. I try to get to the gym almost every day and do an intense workout, and that really helps me. And when I have the time, I love to just sit and read a book, usually with a cup of coffee or tea, and a cat or two at my side. 🙂
Merril — I love the idea of “…a cat or two at my side.” Their little purring motors are tremendously comforting 🙂
Like Barbara I tend to carry my serenity with me, it’s mobility keeps it available for when I need it most. I do have a little something though, a lawn chair under a Redbud tree at the edge of my vegetable garden. The time I spend relaxing in that chair is free time, not house-hold or professional time. It is simply Me time.
Sandi – If I’m not mistaken, I’ve seen a photograph of you with one of your grandchildren in that very lawn chair. A spot that looks like Heaven on Earth 🙂
When I lived in the midlands we had very old apple tree and I used to love to sit under it and view my garden or shade myself from the sun ( I
I meditate looking out of my picture window from a blue chair in our living room. There I stare out on the hundred-year-old oaks and get my bearings before a busy day.
Marian – I love the beautiful word picture you painted 🙂
Cherry – I never met an apple tree I didn’t like. They make excellent companions!
Sorry Laurie internet playing up …so you have me in two halves . Some would say I’m better in small doses lol
Cherryx
Cherry – You crack me up! 🙂
Since we moved to a wooded area by a lake we live surrounded by nature, peace and serenity. But there is an actual physical bench too. Bob and I sit by the lake and watch the sunset weather permitting. The amazing thing is that I now live in a place very close to where I used to go to in my mind to meditate and escape the city.
Espirational — It’s amazing that your real place is the one you used to have to go to in your mind. I love that!
“Allowing myself to be breathed by that which is greater than I.” Your post caught me in the midst of pre-Thanksgiving travel preparation, Laurie. Bag is packed. Christmas gifts loaded into a laundry basket (yes we are celebrating two holidays at once this year). I’ve already had coffee with a college roommate and will have another cup with a former student in a few minutes. Just enough time to sit in the red chair and become aware of that which is greater than I.
Thanks for sharing your serenity bench and especially the thought of being breathed.
Shirley — I’m so glad this post resonated with you; thank you for letting me know. Safe travel to you and Stuart as you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.
I have many but thank you for this perfect description of sacred space!!
SritersDream9 — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
What a gorgeous spot. My special spot is anywhere outdoors where nature rules. This past weekend I was on the Outer Banks of North Carolina … a special spot indeed, especially off season when there are few people around.
Joan — “…anywhere outdoors where nature rules.” yes, Yes, YES, indeed! 🙂
Anywhere quiet, but I like camping in the woods, preferably near a lake.
Fatimasaysell — And I love reading about, and seeing the photographs, of your camping adventures! 🙂
I have several benches, rocks, logs and old stumps selected on our various rocks Laurie. There is a favourite though and it is on the end of a point and takes a good walk to reach. By then I have just the right fire burning under what needs reflecting upon. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and everyone here.
Terrill —I love that, “By then I have just the right fire burning under what needs reflecting upon.” It sounds perfect! 🙂
My serenity spot is in my heart; or where I sit now, in my morning room looking out the window, cat on my lap; or on my front deck watching the birds in warm weather; or sitting quietly with my big furry girls.
Carol — And because you’ve shared those vantage points through your beautiful photography, I vicariously appreciate your various “serenity benches.” 🙂
In the summer, my serenity bench is the swing on my back deck. It overlooks my gardens and the park behind our house where children play In the winter, here in Canada, it would not be serene at all (!) so I find serenity by my fireplace.
Arlene — It’s nice that you can change out “serenity benches” by season: A swing on your back in the summer, and a cozy spot near your fireplace in the winter. Perfect!
Your bench looks perfect! I would be there in a heart beat if I lived in your neighborhood. As it is, my serenity place is in my imagination, eyes closed, breathing in the beauty of the picture it paints in my mind’s eye. It’s convenient, though I can’t always conjure up the smells and the feel of the air on my face. For that I visit Duke Gardens and plant myself somewhere that calls to me, along the edge of the pond, in the woods, perched on an out of the way bench. I would like something nearby as I find I want to be in that space more and more often. Sending you peace for the holiday season and far beyond.
Dorothy — I’m going to Google “Duke Gardens,” it sounds absolutely lovely. For the occasions you can’t be there, it’s wonderful that you can transport your “serenity bench” in your mind’s eye.
Reblogged this on Aging Abundantly | Women Over Fifty | Empty Nesters | Caregivers | Aging Gracefully and commented:
A little serenity — something we could all use a little more of, particularly during the holiday season. Hope you enjoy Laurie’s lovely blog post.
Thanks for sharing, Laurie. For me exercising and walking are great ways of trying to reach serenity.
Olga — I like the way you think! 🙂
My serenity spot is my garden – in spring, summer and fall. Unfortunately, not in winter because my garden is buried in snow, barren browns and other bleak things. Then my serenity spot is inside my house -my living room with its potted plants and sitting on the chesterfield reading and even watching TV or in my nearby office writing on my computer. And like another commenter said, I guess inside myself, my thoughts, dreams and ideas.
Sharon — Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I like your all-season serenity plan 🙂
Peace and serenity…wonderful gifts 🙂
Europasicwolf — Indeed they are 🙂
Mine is the kitchen table when the sun is coming through and warming my skin. I like to read, think and pray in that very spot.
Becwillmylife — I love the beautiful word picture you painted of your “serenity bench.” It sounds like a perfect spot!
My world is abundant with places to reflect. In the summer, I curl up with a book and my thoughts on a lawn chair in our earth hug (a previous owner cut into a hill in our front yard and my husband has beautified it.)
Or…
Down the road a ways, overlooking the sea, is a bench much like yours, Laurie.
But now that it is late fall, I join in fellowship with a group of friends, most Fridays. We contemplate life’s larger questions.
And then, most Tuesdays, I visit you, Laurie. : )
Leanne – Having glimpsed a wee bit of Mayne Island through you and Terrill’s vivid word pictures and stunning photographs, I know that you’re surrounded by “serenity benches” galore. And of course the ever-present rhythm of the sea.
What a lovely serenity spot! I would love to have access to a quiet peaceful place such as this. Where we are living now though there aren’t any spots like yours. 🙂
Itaya Art — Sometimes curling up within the quietness of our own heart is the best “serenity bench” of all 🙂
I truly need to deep breathe with relaxed breath. I used to need extend ocean surf watching. Lately the focus of Liangong clears my mind and releases refreshed thinking. When I am able – massage therapy is so calming to my wholeness.
Then of course. The gratitude I feel for Laurie’s concise words , pictures and thoughts. 🐞
Patricia — Along with yoga, focused breathwork is one of my mainstays, so I can relate. I just Googled “Liangong” (stress and pain management exercises for those who sit too long, or move way too much). Interesting. Very interesting, indeed!
Hi Laurie
I’m sitting in my serenity chair.
I can see and hear the ocean less than half a mile away, and see two peaks over 9,000ft within 20 miles (Ailsa and I spent the night before last camped at over 5,000 ft up one of those mountains, after a serious hike up a riverbed to get there – a great trip and very happy to be back in my chair – with all of its serenity and security.
Ted — Seeing the view through your windows and hiking with you and Ailsa is on our bucket list! I’m glad you’re back snug as a bug in a rug from your most recent adventure 🙂
Look forward to the opportunity of sharing that experience with you and Len.
I love your special spot Laurie. I’m also enjoying the shadings of the power of “Vitamin N” to bring us to the present moment.
Trees, water and a vista are my go to’s too!
Val x
Val — I love your recipe: Trees + Water + Vista = Serenity 🙂
I need to find mine…..and if I can’t find one, I need to create one. Thanks for this post.
Tamara — You’re a woman on a mission. You go, siSTAR! 🙂
I’ve never heard of lifting lids on the pots simmering on the back burner! I love that imagery, Laurie!
Dana – I’m glad the thought of lid-lifting to check on simmering pots resonated with you 🙂
I also love the ‘pots simmering on the back burner’ imagery! Yes, we all need a place to unwind and meditate. We have a local park close by (Hudson County Park) that features a wide lake that runners encircle morning through night. There are benches are around the circumference, and Lucille and I and some of the kids often take refuge there when the weather is cooperative. We enjoy watching the activity in a spot that is close to an island and a bird sanctuary.
I want to wish you and Len a very Happy Thanksgiving, the first in your heavenly surroundings! 🙂
Sam — Your Hudson County Park sounds like just the ticket, and I’m glad that you and yours take advantage of what it has to offer. Thank you for the Thanksgiving well wishes. Right back atcha my friend 🙂
I have a few. One is overlooking Twford Down, at the half way point of a twenty odd mile walk with the river and fields below and horses behind. There’s another along the river in a park I often walk in with swans and ducks and a pretty bridge and yet another at the end of the boardwalk near my office. Sometimes we just need time to sit.
Marie — “Sometimes we just need time to sit.” Amen siSTAR! 🙂
How wonderful to have a view and bench so close by and accessible! My serenity benches are my rooftop ( for quick access) & my writing spot n the desert (with my Jeep, Betty).
Melissa — I’ve seen both in photographs on your blog and I have to agree that those spots do, indeed, make sweet seats of serenity! 🙂
I can feel the tranquility of this beautiful spot. Thank you for sharing, Laurie. 🙂
Amy — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
We live very close to the Greenbelt. There are many lovely benches in Boise along the Boise River, but my serenity bench is in Eugene, Oregon. It’s called Bill’s Bench. My husband and I got married there :).
ajschildrensbooks — Another Boiseite! I just found your blog and started following 🙂
Eugene, Oregon is beautiful. And your serenity bench — Bill’s Bench — sounds wonderful.
Pleasure to connect with you!
This is so eloquent: “…allowing myself to be breathed by that which is greater than I.” Thank you for the reminder…again.
Nine Cent Girl — I’m glad that thought resonated with you 🙂
My backyard with the birds and trees… and even without going outside, meditation gives me a “serenity bench” as well. Great post 🙂
Michael — Funny you should mention meditation as a serenity bench for you. I actually use a little “Buddha Butt” that is quite the serenity bench for just such a purpose: http://wp.me/pP1C5-1dP
there is ok