Go to your quiet place.

The cycles of life are an interesting thing, sure, we know they are there, but sometimes they shove themselves to the forefront of our consciousness.  For me, lately, this has been the case. 

The death of my father a few years back started it all.  He died of amloydosis, a rare disease that is basically unstoppable.  This beast passes genetically, but it didn’t come to me, so I’m safe from its ravages as are my children.  At that time, one of my daughters was already married and another tied the knot soon afterward.  That’s when things started to intensify.  In one area of my life, people that I have known since their childhoods are building careers, getting married, having children, moving, and graduating college.  In another area, folks are passing from this life with increasing rapidity, both in my family and circle of acquaintances.  My mother, the youngest of ten children, is the now the last of them alive.  It seems like I’m at a graduation, funeral or wedding every month.  This whirlwind of life-changing activity has sucked me into its vortex and is trying to carry me off.

Ever feel this way? 

In college I decided that my wallflower days were over, that I would no longer let life happen to me, that I would grab it by the horns and happen to it.  It worked well, and still does, but I am finding that a decidedly more Gandhi-like approach is the only current remedy.  Now I find a quiet place, mentally, physically, and spiritually where I can retreat...not to run away...but renew.  For me the writing process has been that place of stillness, allowing me to accommodate this current storm of life events.  For you it may be writing, reading, music, prayer, exercise, or something else.  Whatever it is, find it because there, in the midst of all life throws your way you just might hear the voice that brings inspiration.