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Columns : Opinions - Joye Ritchie Greene Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


Strike up the orchestra...stomp out the noise
By Joye Ritchie-Greene
Nov 6, 2007 - 5:32:58 PM

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A few weeks ago I witnessed a most spectacular flash of light stretch across the night sky. While I have seen many lightning bolts in my time, I think that was the first time I saw tentacles of lightning explode into the darkness, and it was truly awesome to see the power of the universe in all its glory.

Then, last week, we watched with much trepidation the projected path of tropical storm Noel as it moved very slowly over Hispaniola and Cuba before making its way to The Bahamas. While it never gained hurricane strength until it reached the open water northeast of The Bahamas, it was the deadliest of all named storms so far this year.

This storm seemed so insignificant when compared to devastating hurricanes that plowed through these islands over the years. Yet the rain that accumulated on several of our islands and the consequent flooding tells a different story. We are often told not to judge a book by its cover and Noel definitely reminded us of this adage.

Very often in our lives we have those moments that seem so unimportant to us, but somehow our words and/or actions touch someone at the core. And, it is in those particular instances that the receiver gets a glimpse of his/her purpose on this earth.

It is a moment of clarity, of understanding. This is similar to when the student finally understands a concept that may have been eluding her for a while. Perhaps we know them best as “a-ha” moments.

These are really very special moments in our lives because they do not happen very often for most people. Perhaps the fundamental reason why we rarely have these moments of enlightenment is because we make so much noise and move about so much that they pass us by, totally unnoticed.

Some of my most enjoyable days have been filled with only sounds of nature. These could have been from the rustle of the trees as they sway in a cool or warm breeze; the lapping of waves on the shore, the chirping of birds in a tree or the rolling thunder through darkened skies.

Being enveloped in this symphony of nature opens up my entire being, allowing me to be present in that particular time and space. And it is when we are present in the moment that we can receive understanding and be enlightened.

However, the artificial noises abound, and we drown in the din that reverberates in and around us. As soon as you step into your house at the end of the day many of you turn on the television, check your telephone for messages, then turn on the computer to check for messages that may have been transmitted after you left the office.

While the roar of the television echoes in the background you chit chat on the telephone recounting the day you just experienced. Yet, in the midst of this conversation, you do not allow yourself to be present to last part of your day, which is now.

Many people wake up each morning not really wanting to go to work because they never allowed themselves to end the day before. It is so important to unwind at the end of each day. And, while we all have different ways of unwinding, having some quiet time during that process is very important.

The silence of our minds and the slow beating of our hearts will allow our being to open up more fully to receive tranquility for our souls. It is in this stillness that we can recharge ourselves for a next day of living. It is also in this moment of calmness that we can gain understanding of self and purpose.

I challenge you this week to be still and experience that moment of enlightenment; have your a-ha moment. But more than anything, I challenge you to rest your body, mind and spirit at the end of the day and immerse yourself in the silence of nature that orchestrates a very powerful symphony.

About the author: Joye Ritchie-Greene is an Educational Consultant, Writer and Martial Arts Instructor. She is the owner/operator of The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy; president of Time-Out Productions; and is also a columnist for the Freeport News. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Human Resources, resides in Freeport, Grand Bahama with her husband and enjoys playing tennis. Joye can be reached at timeoutproductions2003@hotmail.com


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