Chaos and Calm
Chaos is swirling around me, sucking me into mental chatter and stress. My walls will be opened in a few days. The plastic pipes replaced with copper. Wallboard dust will swirl throughout the house. It’s also a good time to go one step further, remodel the guest bathroom. The last time, and every other time in the past that we remodeled a part of our house, my body was consumed with stress. But I have an opportunity to not repeat the patterns of the past. I know how to be calm. Stay in the present moment. Even when my mind is filled with bathroom vanities, sinks, tile selection, and tub enclosures, I can be present with what I am doing. I can make one decision and move on to the next.
I start my morning in peace. Sitting on my patio, I gaze into the manmade stream that runs through our condo complex. The water is clear. The palm fronds reflect in the calm water. A slight breeze passes and ripples the water, giving sound to the leaves on the surrounding bushes and trees. A delicate petunia bloom sways. The lavender offers up its scent. I am present.
I hope every enjoyed their Mother’s Day.
Posted: May 12th, 2008 under mindfulness, present moment.
Comments: 4
Comments
Comment from Rhonda/remlane
Time: May 12, 2008, 9:43 am
Thank you. This is helpful for me, too, now. Our living room is in a shambles as we incorporate a high-def TV. Clutter must be sorted and some furniture most move on. While we wait for the Salvation Army truck to come in a few days, everything from one side of the room is out of place. I can function in a cluttered environment, but this puts me close to the “tipping point.” Thank you for showing me the way to center myself.
Comment from Beth
Time: May 12, 2008, 12:58 pm
Last year we completed a MAJOR remodel. We added a kitchen off the back of the house and then added a full second story. We had to move out of the house for 10 months. I lived in a 2 bed apartment with DH & 2 boys with boxes stacked everywhere. The only saving grace was the complex had a pool. But it wasn’t over when we moved back in, no…. several times various subs had to come back in and do more work including drywall, painting and cabinetry. I had a hard time with it because I don’t like strangers in my house, it puts me on edge in a big way.
It’s a pain in the patooty but when it’s done you’ll be sooo glad. Your stream sounds lovely, I would take my ipod and sit out there all day till they’re done if I were you.
Comment from Debora Dale
Time: May 13, 2008, 5:13 am
Remodeling is such a stressful process. Really, it’s just like writing a book. The idea excites, the details daunt, the beginning brings doubt and the middle sags. But the end… ah, when the end is there in sight… all that came before is somehow ‘worth it’.
I agree with Beth, when the stress gets too much, I’d sit out by your lovely stream and enjoy the peace of the moment.
~Debbie
Comment from sandy
Time: May 13, 2008, 2:07 pm
Thanks for your encouragement. For me, writing a book is a lot less stressful, but maybe that because it’s doing something I enjoy. Remodeling is like having a tooth pulled at the dentist.
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