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 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.

 Note from Suzanne:  This message is a repeat from a past posting while I am away at the Omega Institute retreat until Monday morning. I will be meditating each day and receiving new messages, but will not have the capability to post them.