Fearfully Optimistic?

I have been contemplating this photo I took a few days ago of the Buddha in my Bedroom. I wanted to post the Photo. Yet, I had no words to accompany the image. At least, none that I found worthy. The Buddha sits in silent meditation. Easier for the Buddha than for me. I lead a weekly silent meditation in Roswell. Right now we are meeting at the Adult Center but we are soon to be gathering in my office.
My office is smaller but there isn't so much rampant happenings! I actually enjoy being in the hustle of an active Center and holding the silence. My other participants don't find the banging,chatter and constant whirl of the Rock Tumbler group in the rooms down the hall. But really, isn't that the point? To be able to sit in peace amidst all of the chaos is the goal of meditation. It is much more conducive to meditate in a silent space and it is good practice. The challenge is to hold that peace when the noise comes..either from the chatter in your own mind or the chatter from the world around. To smile at both,to smile with a knowing that Peace Abides here. That is my goal. I am not there yet. Practice,Practice! My most wonderful teacher Judith Cornell taught me with every question I asked her answer was: Meditate,Meditate,Meditate. Frustrating as that is when faced with real life situations I have to admit that she is right. Meditation is the foundation to build life on. It is an opportunity to connect in with the grand scheme and to realize what seems so big in the mind at the moment might not be all that we thought once we take the time to take a big breath and realize "It is well with my soul"
So, sitting here in Roswell, I meditate, meditate, meditate.