| As I sit beside this flowing river, I think back to yesterday. When I first arrived here, the sweet sensation of peace swelled around me. The tall trees towered over me like angels watching after my safety. It was cool when I entered my shelter, but there was no loud air conditioner or electrical generator. After settling in my belongings, I enjoyed a walk out in the fresh air and breathed in the scent of wild flowers. My experience gave me inspiration. I began writing a piece that had tugged at my heart for some time, but never had cause to be heard. Thoughts poured out of my head – thoughts I never thought I could think. I finished my first day with a candlelight dinner and a good book. This morning I woke early and sat by the warm fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. After the sun had begun to warm the earth, I relaxed at the opening of the caves. There I saw small animals scurrying here and there with their cheeks filled with nuts they had gathered from around the roots of the big oak trees. In their solitude they learned to compromise and share their environment and speak friendly with one another. I took off my shoes and ran through the dewy grass. The wind rustled through the trees and whispered peaceful words as I stood and breathed it all in. The river is quiet now. I’ve taken a swim and my thoughts are finding me calm and collected. I've never felt more tired and more at peace at the same time. I do not miss the ways of the city, for they are confused and selfish. With all of life’s modern conveniences, we sometimes lose track of our hearts and the feelings that generate within them. I, for one, have come back to this place, and have found the longing of my soul – to be free. The pollution from automobiles and factories can not be found here. The noise of hustling and bustling is far, far away. Here I do not worry about crime and corruption. I do not fear tomorrow or regret yesterday. Tonight I will sleep peacefully, tranquilly, under the night’s starry sky for I have no desire to sleep inside. I will awake in the morning refreshed and filled with hope. The only stress I have is caused by the fear of returning to a place where will have to remember to be free. |
| The Freedom Within by: Vicky R. Diamond |
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| Lord, whatever I encounter today, I hold onto this one truth: You will walk beside me, every step of the way. |