Church Offers Peaceful Refuge from a Noisy Modern World

I grew up in a town where churches are found on practically every other block. When you weren't physically tripping over them, you could go inside to light a candle, pray, meditate or simply have alone time which can be so healing. Too often our busy lives become so embroiled with noisy externals of life, we don't devote enough quiet time to ourselves. Tired of the library? Too broke for a cruise? European spas too pricey? Enter the church.

Did I lose you? Are you thinking, "I'm not religious. I'm not Catholic, Christian or even a Baptist." It doesn't matter. Church isn't about 'membership', nor how you define your spirituality, or lack thereof. Church offers quiet to all. You won't be asked for ID, a fee or a membership card. Best part of all, churches offer a double benefit to visitors. The dark solitude of a church's inside is an obvious attraction to those needing peace and quiet, but there's also church land itself. Most have courtyards, beautifully tended gardens, or blocks of land which more than anything resemble a county park.

My favorite local church is St. Mary's Star of The Sea. It's not a big church, nor even particularly attractive, but its churchyard flower garden pleases as one of the best maintained, and beautiful gardens around. Nestled far within church grounds, lies the garden, complete with two comfortable benches. The centerpiece is dedicated to a priest who passed away a decade before. For the spiritually minded, there's an area for kneeling down in prayer on a padded cushion.

I'll visit the garden a few times a week. Usually I find I'm the sole visitor. The quiet is only broken by a nearby Catholic grammar school, but recess noise only breaks the solitude around lunch time. It's a place I can really depend upon to be there for me, when I'm looking for a quiet place for reflection and meditation.

So the next time you're in need of a little quiet, consider visiting a neighborhood church. You don't have to be part of the congregation, nor anything other than a person wanting a little calm. You don't even have to go inside. Churchyards boast beautifully cultivated gardens, and interesting, even historic architecture to study and admire. When the park becomes too crowded, noisy or overrun with barbecues and picnics, or when the library gets too musty, try recharging yourself by spending time around your local church. It's always worked for me.