meditation – OUR BEAUTIFUL CHALLENGES

“Peace doesn’t mean life is quiet — it means finding calm within the noise.”

Lately, it’s been challenging for me to write non-fiction. I’ve been doing more fictional writing because it takes my mind off what’s going on in the world. I’ve also been spending more time meditating — really, doing anything that helps me focus on something positive.

There’s just so much happening around us right now. So much information being thrown at us all at once, so many opinions and points of view. It can be hard to know what to think or where to stand. Sometimes, I even question myself — wondering if I’m being influenced by one side or the other. That’s how I feel about life in the world these days.

But this isn’t a blog about which side of the aisle I’m on, or an attempt to persuade anyone to see things my way. Because, let’s face it — that’s what makes the world go round. If everyone thought the same way, it would be boring. Whether we agree or not, we’ve all seen how what’s happening in the world affects each of us in one way or another.

For me, it’s about finding ways to protect my peace — to keep from being consumed by everything going on around me. When too much is coming at us all at once, we have to learn not to force ourselves to take it all in.

Here are a few simple ways I’ve found to quiet the noise:

Meditation: After a long day of listening to or scrolling through the news and social media, unwinding with meditation is a great way to decompress. It doesn’t have to take long — even ten minutes can help clear your mind and reset your energy.

Reading: A good book can take you anywhere you want to be — far away from the chaos of the day.

Music: Turn it up and dance out the worries. There’s something freeing about moving to your favorite song and letting the stress melt away.

Exercise: Sometimes, all you need is to sweat the day’s worries out. A walk, a stretch, a workout — anything that gets your body moving can do wonders for your mind.

I could make pages upon pages of ideas to help clear your mind from everything you hear throughout the day, but it all comes down to one thing: protecting your peace.

We live in a world where information never stops — it’s loud, fast, and sometimes overwhelming. But you have the power to step back. You can choose when to listen, when to unplug, and when to breathe.

Taking care of your peace isn’t ignoring the world; it’s preparing yourself to face it with calm and clarity. Because when you nurture your inner peace, you see the world more clearly — and you respond with love, not fear.

Fridays have become my favorite day of the week. At the YMCA, I get to spend two hours in Ta-chi and meditation—a time to let go, breathe, and recharge from everything the week has placed on my shoulders. Living with cerebral palsy doesn’t take away the fact that I face the same stressors and responsibilities as anyone else. In fact, stress can weigh heavily on me because it can cause my CP symptoms to flare up. That’s why this Friday routine has become such a vital part of my life—it’s my anchor, my reset button, my peace.

When I first heard about Ta-chi, I never imagined I would be able to participate. But with the proper modifications, I found my way in. I sit in a chair, moving as best I can, and still receive the same benefits as anyone else—just in a different way. By the time class ends, my body feels so light and relaxed, like a bowl of jello, and my mind feels clear.

What makes this journey so special is the support I’ve received. Many instructors have been willing to adjust the movements so I can fully take part. My Ta-chi instructor, especially, has been a true gift. She always makes sure I have a version of each movement that works for me. Sometimes, she’ll even pause to show me an alternative before continuing with the class. She recently added a second Ta-chi and meditation class that’s more chair-based, blending gentle movement with mindfulness. To me, it feels like pure balance—movement for my body, calm for my soul.

Fridays at the YMCA remind me of a powerful truth: wellness looks different for everyone. What matters most is finding a way to nurture your body and spirit—no matter your limitations, no matter your challenges. With creativity, support, and persistence, peace is always possible. And if I can find it in my own way, so can you.

Tag: meditation

PROTECTING YOUR PEACE IN A NOISY WORLD

MY PATH TO PEACE STARTS AT THE YMCA