The Art of Serenity

Loon Awakening

Serenity is often defined as a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. It is freedom from stress, anxiety, or emotional disturbance.

To me, serenity is something we can choose to invite into our lives. We find it in the spaces we make, the beauty we notice, the people we care about, and the quiet gifts nature gives us when we slow down and pay attention.

Recently, Ray and I have renovated our bedroom. We wanted a theme of serenity. We wanted the room to feel peaceful, calm, and deeply connected to the beauty that surrounds our home on Fancy Lake.

Recently, we were gifted a beautiful photograph called An Autumn Sunset by people who knew we lived on Fancy Lake. What they did not know at the time was that the talented photographer Paul Newton was our next-door neighbour. Even more special, the image was taken directly in front of our home.

An Autumn Sunset

We already have one of Paul’s photos, Let the Light Shine Through, hanging in our dining area. It adds light and beauty to the place where our family and friends gather. So when we thought about what would bring serenity to our bedroom, we spent time looking through Paul’s wonderful collection.

Then we found the one.

Loon Awakening.

Once again, the photo was taken on our lake. This is the same lake that holds so many memories for us. It has given us quiet mornings, beautiful sunsets, birdsong, changing seasons, and gentle reminders that beauty is often right in front of us.

Last evening, I was sitting by the lake enjoying the sunset when the loons began calling to one another. Their voices carried across the water in that haunting, beautiful way only loons can offer.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/4a7d66_e18c12063edb41fba5184c72b58d81b2/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Call of the Loons

In that moment, I thought about the gift of nature.

Nature reminds us that life is truly beautiful. It does not rush. It does not compete. It does not need to prove its worth. It simply exists in its own perfection, offering us peace, perspective, and presence.

Ray and I have been blessed to live most of our married life on this beautiful lake, surrounded by nature and its callings. To add another of Paul Newton’s photographs to our home feels like a gift we have given ourselves as we celebrate our 36th anniversary later this month.

It is more than artwork.

It is a reminder.

A reminder to pause.

A reminder to breathe.

A reminder to look out the window and remember what matters.

As you begin your week, I invite you to stop and spend time in nature. Step outside. Look at the sky. Listen for the birds. Notice the trees, the water, the breeze, the flowers, the quiet.

In our search for more money, more products, more status, and more perceived wealth, I sometimes wonder if we have forgotten one of the most important elements of healthy living.

Connection.

Connection to nature.

Connection to the people we love.

Connection to stillness.

Connection to this beautiful earth.

Connection to ourselves.

The most incredible wealth we have is not found in what we own. It is found in the people in our lives, the family and friends who walk beside us, and the natural beauty that continues to offer itself freely.

When we begin to focus there, life becomes simpler.

Less stressful.

More meaningful.

More content.

And perhaps, a little more serene.

This week, may you find a quiet place that welcomes serenity.

And may you remember that sometimes the greatest gifts are already right in front of you.

With gratitude:

Paul Newton’s photography has brought so much beauty into our home. If you would like to explore more of his work, you can find Paul Newton Photos on Facebook.