"So, whenever you feel gripped by pressure and tension.....Stop for several minutes and remove yourself from the activity at hand. Then bring from memory scenes that have impressed you by their beauty. This practice never fails to have a therapeutic effect. And when restless and troubled at night, seeking sleep, review these scenes until God's quietness overcomes you and you drift into a sound and untroubled sleep. Seeking relaxation and inner peace, of course, should never be an end in itself. The idea is not to retreat from life's responsibilities, but to build a quiet center inside one's body and soul from which you emerge each morning to enter vigorously into the day."
Norman Vincent Peale
"The Power of a Beautiful Scene" - guideposts.com
Sleep eludes me many nights. I need to try this idea, of Norman Vincent Peale, to focus on a beautiful scene. This photo is one of my favorite sunset scenes with the view of the chip ship under the setting sun. I am thankful for the many beautiful sunsets we enjoy here on the Oregon coast. It is definitely one of the blessings of having a place on the ocean.
Norman's idea of building "a quiet center inside one's body and soul," a quiet center of peace, is an ideal that I continually strive to attain. It can be difficult to emerge "vigorously into the day," when you have trouble getting a good night's sleep. I have read that praying in the hours of 12:00 - 3:00 AM are called the "third watch." My pattern of sleeplessness usually results in a time of prayer for members of my family, our world family, and peace for all people. I like the idea of incorporating beautiful scenes into my "Third Watch."
Photo: Sunset over Gregory Point on the Oregon Coast and one of the few remaining ships coming into the Coos Bay Harbor - 7/18/08
5 comments:
Your words are, as always, beautiful Pati. The photo is dynamic!
Thank you for a beautiful piece of writing, Pati. This is the first time I have read your blog. You exemplify the words of Ghandi, "There is no path to peace, peace is the path."
I have spent the past year collaborating with a teacher from Israel. She too dreams and works for peace. I share her belief that if we can help children around the world become friends, perhaps, when they grow older, they will still be friendly. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.
Thank you,
Rick
Third Watch is an interesting concept (thanks for sharing that). Also, the author's take that relaxation and peace were not the ultimate goal, but that the ability to launch into life more vigorously was the reason for these pursuits was interesting. I'm going to have to consider that for a bit.
Thanks again, Pati! (Also, thanks for your note on my blog -- =) )
Thanks for sharing this quote; I also am a restless sleeper and love the idea of a Third Watch! By the way, I just read Ali's blog... congratulations on another new addition to your wonderful family!
Thank you for all the kind comments concerning my Peace Blog. I appreciate your thoughts and words.
Rick, I tried to write a comment on your Blog, comments have been blocked several times when I attempted to write one.
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