by Carolyn Dickman
Every year an art gallery in London sponsors a show with a specific theme. One year the theme for all entries was “Peace.” The canvases were to reflect the artist’s view of peace.Symbols of Peace
Entries came from all over Europe. Most of the paintings had easily recognizable symbols of peace and tranquility. There were rainbows, butterflies, children playing in the park, hundreds of paintings were submitted. Standing in the gallery surrounded by these peaceful scenes, it would be difficult to feel too anxious. When everyone involved gathered for the showing they were excited to see who had won the prize, which picture would the judges view as the best depiction?Expressing Peace in Paintings
There were a good number of astonished looks when they saw which picture held the blue ribbon. Many asked the proprietor, “Why!? Why this one? How does a terrible storm depict peace?”The huge canvas was done in shades of gray and black with a streak of yellow lightning in the stormy sky. There was no doubt that the artist was talented, but it didn’t exactly seem peaceful. He had painted a jumble of huge rocks at the Oceanside. He painted wind shrieking, sand blowing and angry waves smashing against the break wall of rocks. One could almost “see” the wind and blowing sand slashing across the picture. If anything, the winning painting seemed like the most tumultuous spot in the room. We asked, “Why is this peaceful to you, Morris?”
Peace in the Middle of a Storm
Morris owned the gallery and had a great deal to say about the outcome of the contest. “My friends look, look at the pile of rock. Look very closely.” The crowd had not seen all there was to see in the picture. In a corner, in the rocks, there was a small crevice. It was a little spot of peace in the middle of a storm that we had all failed to see. In the crevice, huddled safe, warm and snug was a baby bird. The bird had found a safe place to ride out the storm.When the whole world around you is in mad disarray, we all need to know where our safe haven is so we can find that peace and tranquility that helps us weather the storm. We must make a place within us that is available for sanctuary at all times. A place where we can escape from anxiety, nervousness and other negative feelings regardless of the things in our lives. Finding this place and making it your own can help relieve the stress that accompanies you each day. Many more strategies for managing your stress are available with The Midwest Center Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program.
Do you know where your safe place is; the place where you will sit out the storms of life, the things you cannot change, the things that just need to be weathered?
Safe havens to all,
Carolyn
