Chaos has been a relative constant in my life.  For years, stressful times beat me down, beat me up, made me literally sick.  This is not the preferred life-style for most people, especially for a perfectionist, which I used to be.  I say "used to," because circumstances and chronic illness forced me to change that mode of wishful thinking.

Crises still surround me:  physical pain and disabilities, major family issues in certain areas, financial concerns, the state of the world and our country, in particular, and the smaller every-day issues we all face.

No one can avoid a certain amount of drama in life.   We cannot insulate ourselves from all pain and stress.  None of us is without problems.  In light of all of this, what is one to do to maintain overall well-being?

For myself, through many years and much experimentation, I have found some buffers, the strength to face each day, a core of basic peace and joy in a chaotic world.

Prayer remains a daily communion with God.  Answers always come, though not necessarily in the time frame or form I expect.  Sometimes, the answer is later, or no, or yes, but my way, not your way.  I respect and stand in awe of the power of prayer to change me and my life, and those around me, and even the world.

I find constant solace and a spiritual lift by spending time with nature.  The sky fascinates me as I watch it constantly change but remain a given in life.  Mountains make me feel large and small, both at the same time.  Bodies of water, the way they sound and smell, soothe me.  Living things like plants and creatures amuse and amaze.  I try to spend some time outdoors each day.  Nature remains one of the surest proofs for me that God does, indeed, exist.

Each day, as often as possible, I take time to meditate, using my own style.  I get comfortable, close my eyes, and listen to my breathing.  When it becomes calm and regular, I picture God's healing light entering my body one part at a time, and doing its miraculous work.  As I inhale, I think:  healing of God. 

I picture that healing as a colored and powerful light, a sensation, entering various parts of my body, mind, and spirit.  By the time I am done, I am restored until the next time God and I meet in this fashion.

These are a few of the ways I regain peace amid chaos. 

   Karen Robinson-Chaffee All Rights Reserved