I am listening to songbirds and mourning doves outside my window.
After leaving the busy sounds of a major US city, this is a source of great peace.
Everything which needs to get done in this smaller setting is happening.
We do not feel rushed or hurried even as we are crossing busy streets.
Pedestrians are regarded as a priority.
We join the local practice of having a pastry with coffee or tea and enjoying a leisurely conversation.
People are understanding of our attempts in a new language and are helpful.
Even during a busy lunchtime, there is consideration of everyone who is being served.
Since we are staying in a working class neighborhood, people have to get back to work.
They are served soup, a main dish with sides, and it is cleared and they are served coffee.
Lunch takes one and one-half hours.
There is time to enjoy oneself during a lunchtime like this.
This is an aspect of peace and of living well even though lunch does not cost much and neither are there high salaries.
Young people on the busses give up their seats for older people.
Older people are escorted in and out of places of business.
People make an effort to help with my struggling attempts in a new language.
I feel at home in attitude and in pride of excellence in simple tasks.
It feels possible to live in a community full of respect for all citizens and visitors, alike.
Even in my small temporary space, I have room to indulge my creative capacities.
I am comforted and refreshed by the peace in this new place.
© 2019 Kathryn Hardage
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