Quiet Corner

We have long had a designated "quiet corner" in our living room.  No, that's not code for the so-called "naughty chair" or timeout spot.  It's just a spot where the kids can go to be alone but nearby.  Maybe we should call it the "I need to be not-near you right now" corner.

Anyway, the corner has some new accessories:  our glitter meditation jar, a Japanese rin gong, and a framed print of the Four Limitless Qualities, all on a table brought from Thailand by Ma and Gong.  While the glitter jar has been used repeatedly, the gong is our new go-to for calming down.  It was christened, so to speak, on Thursday when Sis won a raffle at math night, choosing a Sudoku-like game, and Bud didn't.  She was ecstatic; he was upset.  I'd just gotten the bowl in the mail, at Mama's request, and we all sat around striking with the padded hammer, listening until we couldn't hear the clear ring anymore.  Then we'd do it again.  And again.  Soon, all the angry and upset thoughts settled in Bud's mind just like glitter in the jar.

Now, with the table, we can all reach the gong or jar anytime we need a little peace or quiet.

All of us.