The Chimes of Your Life

Last night as I sat on the patio looking at the beautiful clouds, I could hear the chimes above my head.  The sound was so soothing and peaceful.

I began to think how my life is so much like those chimes.  I googled making chimes and this is what I found out.  Chimes are "a cluster of similar objects(metal tubes, seashells, glass pieces, lengths of bamboo, or fragments of pottery) that hang from a central support and tinkle when moved by the wind".

When I read more about chimes, I discovered the history.  Chimes were used in religious settings to attract kind spirits as well as drive away evil spirits.  In Bali, the bamboo chimes are used to startle birds and animals, as well as charming the spirits.  During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the Western world used them for decorations as well as for the music that chimes make.

The raw materials that are used are brass, bronze, copper, bamboo tubes, pottery, etc. Paint, glue, strings and hangers are used as well to put the chimes together.

The designs of the chimes come in every size and shape.  The quality of the sound is also very important.

Durability is an issue as most chimes are designed for outdoors.  Being outdoors, they must endure wind, sun, temperatures and precipitation.

After reading about chimes, I know that I march to the beat of my own drum or to the clinging of the the metal pipes.  My raw materials and design consists of my tall body, dark hair and olive skin.  Just like the components that make the sound of the chimes, my components that make my sound are in the areas of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.  When those are balanced, I can hear my own chimes of gentleness and loving-kindness.

I have learned to be durable to life.  Everyone around you has a different personality and temperament.  As you mature, you begin to learn how to work with those different temperaments. It is those different personalities that shape a person.

As the chimes "tinkle" when moved by the wind, I have discovered I am moved by the people in my life.  This is one of the reasons why I have always enjoyed being with all different nationalities. Their stories are what keeps me dreaming and being thankful for the things that I have.

I will continue to be in tuned with my music of my life by being passionate about learning; looking at both sides of an issue; being available and to enjoy each day.

Today take time to be still and to listen to the chimes of your life!