Calm

18” x 24”; Acrylic on Canvas; 2010

Shortly after our wedding, my husband’s job sent us overseas to Singapore for 6 months. On the weekends, we often hopped on a plane to some new exotic location in Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia. My favorite place was Phuket. We stayed in a hotel built into the seaside cliffs, our balcony overlooking the sea. I remember one night leaning over the railing and looking out at the setting sun, watching as the stars came out. I was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and calmness. I felt like the whole world paused with me just for a moment, like all of humanity collectively took in a deep breath and held it, exhaling all at the same time. When I need to calm my mind, I imagine myself on that balcony, taking a deep breath, and I find my calm.