Hi folks,

I was wondering how we find our peacefulness each day.

I find a lot of peace in the arts. It's a well known strategy I think.

For me, classical music, painting, poetry, a good novel, all help to stabilise me and give me a sense of belonging in the world.

I particularly like American composers, Samuel Barber and Copland, and they can bring real peace into me, even when I'm a bit stretched, but I like almost all composers. I listen to classical radio stations most days. For me, talk shows can be too conflictual and I prefer the quieter music while I'm writing.

Also, looking around Cathedrals can be very calming. We have some lovely Cathedral here in the UK, and we take trips out to see them, and just be in the quietness (I don't have a particular religion, but I'm interested in them all).

I think that being around a beautiful piece of art, or a lovely building, or listening to a deeply calming piece of music, is like being around a peaceful person. It's as good as it gets.

How do other folks find peace? Do you relate to art the way I do, or do you have other strategies?

Good thoughts, M



PS - As you know I had a tough time with my Dad, but when he knew he was dying he was just a little bit more open hearted with me. I suggested that he listened to classical music, and you know, he did that. He listened to it so much that my Mum got fed up hearing it, and started complaining. He had nothing in the world to hang on to, his few interests had turned to dust for him, and the music really seemed to help him through those last months.