STORYTIME TAPESTRY

Special Treat   - From Me  

March 21, 2005

My Little Piece Of Heaven

Carol Roach  

I was 9-years-old and I had gone to the seashore for the very first time. My mom comes from New Brunswick. We went back there for my grandfather's funeral; a man that I had never met. Everyone spoke French and I was literally a fish out of water. I cannot say that I enjoyed the visit. I did not feel a part of that scenario, I did not speak French, and I did not eat seafood. I was again an oddball.

But what I found that I did love was the sea. I loved the salty water, though when I drank it, it made me gag and I felt ill. But I was drunk with ecstasy. I felt like a fish, not out of water any longer, but in water; a fish in its natural habitat. I felt alive and happy, and in my element.

My sister and I would play for hours in the sea, or we would walk along the shore. I loved the feel of the hot sand between my toes. I enjoyed the damp sand by the shore even better. It sent chills up my legs due to the gritty texture. I loved wriggling my toes in it. I loved every minute of it. I cannot remember a time that I was happier. The feel of the hot sun enveloping my back as I frolicked in the water made me feel that God was there with me, embracing me; as any father would embrace his child.

I decided to lie in the sun, to open up, to embrace it with all my being. I found a sandy spot where I laid very still with my eyes closed. I tried to rid my mind of all thoughts, and just be. I did not know at 9-years-old that I was meditating, but that was exactly what I was doing. I just knew that it was right. I was filled with an inner peace. I experienced bliss for the first time in my life. I was one with nature, and I was one with God.

My sister called and begged me to play with her but I ignored her. I couldn't pull myself away from this enchanting time.

Later in university when I was frazzled out, I would find my special tree on campus, and I would gather my books and just sit there. The cool grass under my rump gave me the same sensations as the gritty sand between my toes. Shivers would trickle up my spine. I would lie with my head against the tree and close my eyes. I would shut the world out, release my soul to my God, and my creator. I would invite the gentle stirring within me as I communicated with the holy one.

When I awoke from this wonderful trance, I was completely rejuvenated. I felt calm and at peace and ready to embrace whatever the day would bring. I could now take on the classes, the deadlines, the exams, and all that went with university life. I could take it on because I found my heaven and heaven lived within me.

The years have slipped by and somehow I have forgotten about my little piece of heaven. Only recently did I learn to revisit my special place within me. Only recently have I learned once again to meditate; to be one with myself, one with the universe, and one with my God.

Carol Roach

winterose@videotron.ca