At peace
So, here I am near the end of month 9 in Charleston, SC. I’ve gotten quite used to it, actually. The trips home are not a problem and I’m thankful that I can visit home each and every weekend. I’ve not missed a lot of basketball games because quite a few were on the weekend. I’ve hired someone to cut the grass at home because I don’t want to have to come in and do that on the weekend.
I feel that new pathways are being etched into my brain. Pathways of acceptance. Let us say that for the first trimester of this journey, there was the ache to return home. The next trimester, there was the dawning realization that perhaps it would be a little longer. At that point, I signed a 6 month lease. A little more acceptance. Now, here in the deep end of the 3rd trimester, I’m considering buying some small amounts of furniture so that I can save money on renting it. I’ve accepted a position as a full time employee, complete with benefits. I’ve finally accepted that I’m going to be here a while, perhaps, it may come to pass that my family will join me in South Carolina in a couple of years. Who knows how it will play out.
Although it is not my ideal climate, hot and humid, I’m starting to explore the area more. Yesterday evening I went to the Ashley River to look for alligators. I didn’t see any, but I did see a vulture, lots of crabs (it was low tide), and a number of small fish. I donated a bit of blood to all of the insects who decided that I was a nice buffet, and just enjoyed the evening. As I arrived, I saw the gentleman pictured above, sitting at a picnic table engrossed in some type of writing. I was going to go over and ask to take his picture, but he seemed to be very much at peace and into what he was doing, so I just found a place between the trees and plants and took a few pictures. This was my favorite. He seemed so at peace. It was my favorite picture of the evening.
I must say that I feel a lot better now that I have totally accepted my situation. I feel at ease. That tension to find a way home is no longer there. It will happen when it happens and that will be the right time. I’ve grown a lot since being here and, if I were to say that I had a bag full of insecurities, I could say that now the bag is half-full, or would that be half-empty? 
Anyway, I’ve done lots of work and am happy that this opportunity came my way. Life has a grand way of providing us with the things that we need for growth if we are willing to see it that way and accept the lessons.
I’m still learning …
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12 Responses to “Settling in”
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What a wonderful image and what a wonderful post. What a great blog.
Yes, the picture is absolutely wonderful and harmonises with what you express in your writing beautifully. I’m glad that you’re coming at peace, we all need that I guess.
This is such a thoughtful post. A lesson for many actually. I think too often we focus on what things in our lives are not exactly how we want them to be or had envisioned and whine and complain about them instead of accepting what we cannot change and making adjustments to make those things more bearable…like hiring someone to do the lawn so that doesn’t steal away your time and buying some pieces of furniture so that renting it doesn’t continue to eat up cash. Adaptation is the key to survival for all species especially us humans.
This is a wonderful image. It brings to mind images of an old poet working. I really dig the cigar. I hate smoking but it seems so fitting.
I just had to come back and see that picture…. It is soooo contemplative. The warm toning works really well here.
A gorgeous photo that perfectly complements the moving story. I had been rushing around so far this morning working at the early chores, but after viewing the photo and relishing every word of the story, my pulse slowed considerably. Thank you Dr. Lester.
@Anita: I’m not a doctor, I just play one on the Internet! LOL!
If man, born in Tao, sinks into the deep shadow of non-action to forget aggression and concern, he lacks nothing, his life is secure – from Thomas Merton’s rendition of The Way of Chuang Tzu.
Very nice image Paul and the toning fits it to a T.
@John: Very fitting and a reminder that I need often. When I sink back into the ‘way’, things always get better.
Thnx for sharing. It reminds me to “go with the flow” of my life. And that reminder do I need for tomorrows day. And to have some “peace in my mind” before I go to sleep.
I have to agree that the photo is incredible. I envy you the trip to Africa. I will get there in the not too distant future. However, when I do go, it will likely be for three months with stops in Egypt, South Africa and Ghana as well as a Kenyan safari.
It is good to see that you are adapting to the southern climes and are accepting change. Resisting change causes too many problems. It’s the journey that is the most important, not the destination.
Really great photo!
Great photo and great post. Looks as if we’re in a rather similar boat when it comes to the external factors that determine our life. And you’re absolutely right – accepting it and going with the flow (to a certain extent at least) helps tremendously finding inner peace.