“Dang, Bill, if only there was a way to feel the safety and security of home – as if I was lying in my bed – no matter where I am, no matter what I’m doing…”
Hmmm, wouldn’t that be something? This business of living life introduces so many challenges to someone enduring a mood or anxiety disorder. Perhaps it’s feeling lonely, overcoming fear, how to overcome depression, how to cope with anxiety, or even the quest for an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. The tough tasks are seemingly endless.
Absolutely, finding a way to feel safe and secure – no matter where we are, no matter what we’re doing – would sure come in handy.
And I wholeheartedly believe it’s “doable.”
Okay, to the extreme, I suppose a mobile domed living room or bedroom would do the trick. Um, but that’s just a wee-bit impractical, don’t you think? So let’s consider a much more realistic concept…
“Home is where the heart is.”
Interesting – no one knows for sure the origin of the proverb; however, it’s been attributed to first century Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher Pliny the Elder (one Gaius Plinius Secundus). Interesting, as well – he lost his life at age 55 or 56 to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii.
So, I know you’ve likely heard the proverb. But maybe you considered it nothing more than a warm, fuzzy “I suppose it’s true.” I’m going to suggest it’s much more than that. In fact, in my opinion, it’s the solution to the dilemma expressed by our troubled soul at the beginning of the piece.
Let me ask you something. What if you bought deeply into the truth and life-living application of “Home is where the heart is?” Isn’t it at least possible that you could feel the safety and security of “home” no matter where you are or what you’re doing? And wouldn’t that resolve all sorts of problems?
I sure think it would, and I believe you can do it. Really, you can.
‘Course, accepting the power of the concept is the first order of business. Then it’s on to establishing that sense of “home” within. And that’s accomplished by intense and honest self-examination, gaining insight into our suspect patterns of thought and belief – and effecting change, and tons of practice as we take what we learn to the lab of the real-world.
As you accept the challenge of establishing – and utilizing – the power of an inward “home,” I’d like to share a poem I wrote. I’m thinking it’ll provide some inspiration and motivation.
Ourselves
After all
What can we be but ourselves
When it’s all torn down and nothing’s left but who we truly are
Stripped to the bone
Exposed to all and self
There’s nowhere left to hide
No shelter from the storm
No propping scaffold
No diversion to deflect the truth
Only a direct gaze deep within
With a frightened blink of an eye
But upon unsettled earth unstable legs gain strength
In steadfastness and blind forward energy
In tatters amidst the rubble
We come to know ourselves and become whole
In a chance of a lifetime
“Home is where the heart is.” The proverb – the concept – that can deliver endless feelings of safety and security. That is if we’re willing to accept the challenge of its development.
Are you facing a lonely world? Perhaps overcoming fear is on your agenda. Learn to look within. What better – lasting – source of comfort and peace?
How ’bout taking a look at more chipur Feelin’ Better articles? Here ya’ go!
Image credit: The wonderful picture featured in the piece was drawn by Erika Aoyama on November 16, 2002. Thanks, Erika, for your permission.
