Finding peace on a Saturday morning

and why my lounge is an amazing space

I’m sitting in my favorite room at home. There’s space. It’s not cluttered. And, I love how peaceful this moment feels.

I woke up this Saturday morning around 8. My body woke up, with my mind. And, I was in bed contemplating life questions. Philosophical thoughts like what it means to be free, and to live a high voltage life. Reading one of Visa’s threads on this topic. One of my favorite ways to nurture my soul is to read more from Visa’s corner of the internet. And as I’m reading these tweets and understanding better, my mind is making connections and it feels amazing. Something about this morning feels amazing. Like I have it all together and I can do ANYTHING.

I’m very happy about it all. I know time and moments are fleeting. But something about waking up early on a Saturday morning, feels adventurous and just so special.

I heat up some leftover chicken, since a protein-first breakfast is good for my PCOS. I follow it up with my black coffee and a doughnut to go with it. This all feels so good. It’s making me realize how important it is to have daylight, good food, and space in your area of living. Space to be, space to live, space to rest in, space to feel at peace within. I know true strength of mind comes from the ability to feel that peace regardless of surroundings and spaces, but gosh! Living peacefully, is just something else.

What I would do to replicate this feeling every single day.

Part of me realizes that there may be tougher times to come, where not all my seem perfect and peaceful. And, that’s fine. That is life. But, part of me also realizes this peace is replicable and I can have more mornings feeling this energized, and happy, and grateful, and at peace every single day.

Maybe the key is ensuring there is good food in the house, food I will enjoy. Maybe it’s also ensuring coffee is readily available - and it is, since I did get a full container a few days ago. Maybe it’s having clean dishes from the night before, so you don’t walk into a dirty kitchen. Maybe, it’s the quietness in the space. No noise that reaches this sacred space of yours. Of course, having good internet and TV show subscriptions or books can be a part of this too. But ultimately, having clear spaces so when you enter the room, there’s natural daylight peering in, a well lit room. Almost feels like a checklist. But the most important bit- maybe it’s about making it easy, for yourself. Instead of worrying about everything you don’t, savoring every bit you do. And, may be this is part of the self nurturing love we spend lifetimes trying to learn?

If I had no space, and no quiet, and none of the things I’ve mentioned - how do I replicate this peace? I’m thinking about it from different perspectives now, to “hack” this moment. I get the irony, but I also don’t believe in the idea of peaceful luxury- where you get to peace through luxury or excessiveness.

In my search for peace, I’ve tried different things. Many that have worked for me, over the years. I’ve meditated with and without earphones in loud places. Having a quiet place or area for a few minutes would be ideal. But if you’re at work - it could mean the lobby area, or the pantry, or any space that feels quiet for a bit (if you’re new to meditation or deep breathing, Oak Meditation is a great app that helps. My favorites on Oak are the deep calm breathing and the Mindful meditation).

For daylight, open the curtains (if you have curtains), let natural sunlight in. In my case, there’s none so it works naturally. If you don’t have windows, step outside. That might work better. If you can go to a place with windows or clear glass walls, or more of natural light - that works too. In Dubai, Art Jameel Centre, and AlSerkal Avenue have both. But, to be fair, you can probably find similar lighting in more crowded, commercial places. The point is it’s accessible, and yours to pick from.

Having some time for solitude, to be by yourself, and to do what you want. Feeling a sense of freedom - because you can be spontaneous, a sense of control - because you can decide what you want to do - and a sense of purpose - from understanding you’re honoring yourself in this moment. It feels divine.

I’ve spent years in the search for peace, only to discover it’s been within me all along. It comes from within, and it is so at reach, always. It’s powerful. Knowing this.

So while I cherish this lounge space, and this peaceful morning. I’m grateful about it all. Alhamdullilah for everything.