When turmoil surrounds
you, find the peace within yourself.  You
need not escape to a quiet sanctuary in some physical location, but to the
quiet sanctuary inside the mind.  “Oh,
but I cannot quiet the mind,” you say, and that is where you err.  Follow the breath into the silence.  Set aside the chattering mind by giving it
something else to focus upon but for a few moments.  Say to yourself, “I am peace …” and stretch
out that sibilant sound at the end of the word on the exhalation.  Now, say, “And I am love,” feeling it as you
pull it within your very soul on the inhalation.  Take a few more breaths and say, “And all is
well.”

Breathe deeply and
slowly and repeat these phrases.  Place the
tiniest of smiles upon your face as you do this meditation, thus releasing the
tension in the face.  And there you have
it—your sanctuary.  Go there often in the
new year and peace will be the reward. 

It is a choice, this
thing called your state of mind.  Seek it
often and peace you will find.