Last weekend, Sammy and I hiked from Sainte Croix to La Couronne. A trail along the white cliffs that we have walked countless times. Under the blue skies, the waves crashed against the rocks, echoing my own increasing angst over the world situation. I gazed out at the sea, my thoughts swirling over what terrible thing could possibly happen next.

Sammy pulled on the leash, interrupting my gloomy mood. I tried to continue in the planned direction, along the cliff, but he wouldn’t budge. He can be very stubborn and somehow weighs a thousand pounds if I try to move him against his will. 

He wanted to go inland and led me to a narrow animal trail. I was dubious. We had never gone there before. After fifteen minutes of climbing over loose rocks, struggling through brush, and getting twigs and leaves tangled in my hair, we broke out into a meadow. No waves or wind broke the silence. Yellow and white wildflowers grew in clusters under Mediterranean pine trees, and the sun filtered through the pine needles, casting a soft light. I drew a deep breath and let myself be embraced by the calm. We stayed there for several hours, absorbing the light.

Finally, we headed back the way we came and climbed a cliff at Sainte Croix. At the top, we shared a sandwich and gazed out over the luminous sea. I wouldn’t have found that quiet meadow if Sammy hadn’t insisted. I would have continued walking along the rocky cliffs in the wind with chaotic thoughts about things I can’t control. Sammy teaches me something every day. Sometimes, we need to be pulled off the familiar path, to change our thoughts, to find a place of calm, if only for an afternoon. Whether you are pulled off the path or step off on your own, I hope you find your own meadow of peace this week.