Z is for Zen

*photo courtesy of Follybeach


When I think of Zen, I think of peaceful,calm vibes, a room, of brown n' white  with touches of green,  lots of plants, bamboo, orchids and others.  A serene spot, to refill or recharge my battery.  Time out for grown ups!

A time of meditation or reflection to enlightenment...is the description of Zen.   Me, it is a time, that I alone can be calm, let my brain rest, I usually try guided imagery.   It is a great way to go to one of your favorite spots, without spending money.

For example:

First imagine one of your favorite places, for me it is the sea shore,back home in Maine:  looking at the waves gently rolling in kissing the rocky beach and then pulling away.   Tidal surges in and out, as tiny treasures and sea life is gently tossed about.   I now see, someone I love, walking towards me.   I see them wave and smile as they get closer. They grab my hand and we walk along the rocky shore, til we get to a sandy spot.   He says, let's dig, I try to talk, but he says, not now, later.    We dig, I think we are looking for clams, keep digging he says.   We dig, and dig until I don't want to anymore.  What are we doing?  Then he hands me a sand dollar, it is alive,  gray and furry.  We use to catch these in the summer time, when I was a kid, we'd  put them back, in the water.   I put it back; I  remembered what the sand dollar represented.   Do you remember.....  

THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR

The Sand Dollar or Holy Ghost Shell is one of the most unusual specimens of marine life. The markings on the shell, to some, symbolize the Birth, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. On top of the shell, an outline of the Easter Lily is clearly seen. At the center of the Lily is a five pointed Star representing the Guiding Star of Bethlehem that led the Wise Men. The five narrow openings are representative of the four nail holes and the spear wound made in the body of Christ during the Crucifixion. Reversing the shell you will recognize the outline of the Poinsettia, the Christmas flower, and also the Bell. When broken, inside the shell are five little birds called the Doves of Peace. Some say they are the Angels that sang to the Shepherds the First Christmas Morning.  *Thanks to Follybeach~

He says keep this and remember:      
"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."~Antoine de Saint-Exupery  (this is a quote from the book, "The Little Prince"
 What is essential is invisible to the eye, is such a powerful message and so true...

 We walk for a bit and I bend down to pick up a shiny rock and he is gone.   I call for him, but know he is
part of my guided imagery, I sit down in the sand and feel the sun beat on my head.  It is getting hot, I can hear the sea gulls crying,  there is a gently breeze of pine and the salty sea.   I open my eyes and feel calm.
 
Try it, imagine your favorite place, a person you have lost, and see what message is given to you...you will
only escape for a while, but the message could be something profound or something to keep you calm or make life a bit easier to cope.      It is like a temporary vacation, no packing, no lines, no travel, no money...
Just an escape to your inner self, this is my Zen.


I want to thank Lee of Tossing it Out, for coming up with and hosting, this unique A-Z challenge!  I did feel
challenged, at times, but loved doing it and meeting so many wonderful souls!   On May 3rd, Lee wants us to post a Challenge Reflections post.   It should be fun to highlight and post about what impacted us, what we learned and how fun or challenging it was!~