I’m sure everyone struggles to find inner peace at least once and a while, I know I do. It seems there’s always something waiting to rob me of it. 

 

Sometimes it’s the anxiety that comes with running late, other times it’s something someone has said or done that’s upset me. Sometimes I’m just feeling overwhelmed trying to get everything accomplished.

 

During the holidays, it seems harder than ever.

 

The Christmas season can be the happiest time of the year. However, with shopping, cooking, baking, decorating, parties and card-sending it can also be the most stressful time of the year. It’s filled with joy and excitement, but it can be hard to embrace the peace when it can also feel chaotic and out of control.

 

Every year Charlie Brown asks if this is what it’s all about. The answer is no, it’s most definitely not.

 

The real meaning of the season comes with peace, love, hope and possibility.

 

Peace that needs to be found before you start spouting ‘bah humbug’ and answering to the name Grinch.

 

Every time I can truly say I’ve felt at peace has been when I’ve been out in nature. There’s something about it that rejuvenates me, makes me feel lighter and helps me find inner silence, a quiet place free from the mental noise that usually fills my mind throughout the day.

 

I found the most profound sense of peace I’ve ever felt when I was out west with my family this fall. I love to travel, especially to new places, so we decided to head to the Pacific Northwest, a place none of us had been to before.

 

It was the first time in a number of years that all five of us had been able to take a vacation together, so expectations and excitement were high. Although we had a few moments, like all families inevitably do, overall, we had a great time.

 

We started in Washington, worked our way down into Oregon and finally into northern California. Although we explored the cities along our path, the majority of our time was spent along the rugged Pacific coastline and in state and national parks filled with majestic redwoods and sequoias.

 

Like many people, I’ve been drawn to the ocean since the first time I stood on one of its beaches. Looking over the waves I always experience an almost therapeutic sense of calmness and tranquility. 

 

But it was the forests that drew me in the most.

 

You don’t realize how noisy our modern world is until you enter the deep silence of an old-growth forest. The instant I stepped into the quiet and solitude I felt a sense of inner peace. There was no sense of urgency; time slowed down. 

 

 Walking among the enormous ancient trees, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and connection to God and the earth. 

 

It was a gentle reminder for me to appreciate the simple things in life. In a world filled with materialism it was a relief to be surrounded by nothing but nature.

I’m grateful for the peace I found there.

 

Christmas should be a time of peace and joy, a time to gather with those we care most about. Embrace the season with all the love, fun and craziness it has to offer. As the popular song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

 

My wish for all of you this Christmas is to receive the gift of peace.

 

Lose yourself in nature and find peace.