Listening to the Silence

It's quiet here this morning. The light has been slow to fill the house. I'm sitting in a corner of the sectional with my cup of tea and I find that my mood matches that of the house. From where I sit I can see the tree lit up with it's quiet beauty, the dog napping in her favorite chair, our oldest kitters, the one I thought might not make it to see the new year, is curled up on a quilt.

I'm enjoying this peace in the midst of a busy season that I am trying to keep in check. The days are flying by at an alarming rate, the baking, the making, the shopping, the wrapping, the obligations and the to-do's piling up. But I know that's not what it's about. So I take a moment to sit in my corner and revel in the silence, to take the time to really notice the sights and sounds in this moment of my life. The snoring cat, the sloping floors, the flicker of a candle, the soft warmth of my flannel pajamas, the sound of the heater kicking on, the happy glow of Christmas lights, the stack of books waiting to be read, the overcast day creating a cozy darkness around me.

I know this moment won't last but I think that makes it even sweeter. There is something about taking the time to really notice what is going on around you, to quietly observe. It takes my focus off of myself and whatever is stressing me out. It has a calming effect on me, bringing me back to my center. Reminding me of what's important.

I know this coziness must soon come to an end but I think that by starting my day listening to the silence, I gave myself the very gift I needed today.