Chapter 1: The Power of Stillness

In moments of quietude, one can discover rejuvenation.

All images credited to John P. Weiss “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” —John Muir

Not far from my residence lies a quaint park where I retreat to walk my dogs, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature. I affectionately call this sanctuary “Grackle Hill,” named after the spirited birds that inhabit the area, noisily defending their nests.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grackle Hill served as a sanctuary. In the mornings and late afternoons, my dogs and I would relish the cool grass, shade from the trees, gentle breeze, and fresh air. Occasionally, I would bring along a small journal for writing or sketching, though most of the time, I simply enjoyed the exercise and the liberating feeling it brought. While I occasionally crossed paths with fellow dog walkers, I often had this little haven all to myself.

On days when my wife, a hospice nurse, is on duty, I frequently share photos and brief videos of my excursions with her during her breaks, allowing her to momentarily enjoy the simple allure and restorative essence of Grackle Hill.

Life has become increasingly challenging lately. While the COVID pandemic has eased somewhat, we now face issues such as the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, crime rates, alarming gun violence, drought conditions in the Southwest, escalating partisanship, and a general sense of unease.

Where do you seek refuge from this chaos? What is your Grackle Hill?

A Sanctuary for the Tired Soul

My wife and I have planned a few trips for the fall, including visits to Scotland and Italy—journeys that were postponed due to the pandemic. While we are excited about these adventures, a part of me cherishes the simplicity that Grackle Hill offers. Such retreats are cost-free, stress-free, and allow me to forget my worries while reconnecting with my spirit.

“Dear refuge of my weary soul, On thee, when sorrows rise, On thee, when waves of trouble roll, My fainting hope relies.” —Anne Steele

The outdoors is always a reliable option for relaxation, but there are also wonderful and economical indoor venues. Take, for instance, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. While it may seem pricey, visiting their Conservatory and Botanical Garden is free and showcases elaborate seasonal displays that change five times a year.

The current theme, “Jungle of Dreams,” features breathtaking displays that require a team of over 80 people a week to set up. My wife and I recently visited, and it was a delightful experience.

We were in awe of the intricacy of the bird displays, where the poses and feathers appeared incredibly lifelike.

The conservatory was moderately busy, which still feels odd to me after the extended period of isolation during the pandemic. I tried to maintain some distance but found myself fully immersed in the experience, capturing moments through my photography.

Following our visit, we stopped by the Capital Grille for a light snack. My wife indulged in a craft cocktail, which I, of course, had to photograph.

It's easy to remain homebound and miss out on parks, gardens, and local attractions that are either free or affordable. However, why should we choose convenience or inertia over new and revitalizing experiences?

Despite many still feeling hesitant to venture out post-pandemic, doing so can significantly elevate your mood and provide an escape from the incessant noise in your mind.

Embracing Stillness for Restoration

Last month, my wife and I visited a park in Boulder City, Nevada, to watch wild rams grazing and to enjoy the gentle breeze and sunshine from Lake Mead. The rams were somewhat accustomed to humans, allowing me to get quite close with my camera.

I snapped photos of visitors taking selfies and captured my wife resting on a park bench. Observing wildlife, appreciating the outdoors, and enjoying simple people-watching can serve as excellent remedies for the distractions of life.

History reminds us that challenging times are transient. People have endured world wars, pandemics, and natural disasters. To maintain our resilience, embracing fresh air and simple joys can be incredibly beneficial.

“When you hurt, be still! When you’re restless, be still! When you feel lost, be still! It’s in the stillness that you will find restoration, peace, and ultimately find yourself.” —Earl Maree

My walks with my dogs at Grackle Hill, along with my visits to gardens and parks, uplift my spirits and soothe my mind.

How about you? Where do you go to lose yourself, rediscover your essence, and renew your resilience? It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate.

It could be a simple garden in your backyard, a local park, a basketball court, or even your neighborhood library. Wherever it may be, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in it. Life is meant to be lived, not merely endured.

(Originally published at JohnPWeiss.com)

Before You Go

I’m John P. Weiss. I create cartoons, take photographs, and compose thoughtful essays about life. To follow my work, subscribe to the Saturday Letter here.

Chapter 2: Finding Tranquility Through Music

The first video, PINK FLOYD "Lose Your Mind And Find Your Soul" (Pure Fungi Compilation) by R&UT, explores the themes of mental liberation and soulful discovery through captivating visuals and music.

The second video, PINK FLOYD - Lose Your Mind and Find Your Soul (Pure Fungi Compilation) (Rare Tracks), showcases rare tracks that delve into the depths of losing oneself and the journey back to one’s essence.