Finding Peace in Taman Balekambang: A Personal Journey
Balekambang Park is not just a green space in the middle of the city, but a place where I find tranquility. Located in the middle of Solo, Central Java. This park has become one of my favorite places to spend time alone. Every time I step inside, the cool ambience of the tall trees and the gurgling water of the pond immediately greets me. There’s something different here – fresher air, the sound of birds chirping, and an atmosphere that makes the heart feel lighter. This place is not just about the beautiful scenery, but also about the feeling of comfort that always arises whenever I sit in a corner by the Partini Tuin pond, reading a novel while listening to my favorite music.
When I first came to Balekambang Park, I didn’t pay much attention to the details. I just thought of it as an ordinary city park, where people came to exercise or just relax. However, the more I visited, the more I realized that this park had its own charm. There’s a history attached to every corner, from the statues that stand tall to the trees that seem to have become silent witnesses to thousands of stories of people who have stopped here. Over time, this park has become not only a place to unwind, but also a space for my mind to wander, seek inspiration, and even deal with emotions that are difficult to express.
One of the moments that sticks in my memory the most was one afternoon when I came with my favorite novel. The sky was slightly overcast, but the atmosphere was still cozy. I chose a cozy seat, near the corner of Partini Tuin pond, under a big tree whose lush leaves covered the sky that was so bright with sunshine. The breeze made the pages of the book I was holding occasionally tremble. In the distance, I saw a group of small children playing around the park, laughing carefree. There was also a couple sitting side by side on a park bench, talking quietly as if the world belonged only to the two of them.
At that moment, I felt something simple but precious: serenity. In the midst of a life that is often full of demands and busyness, being in this park was like getting the pause I really needed. I could stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment without having to think about things that burden my mind. Maybe that’s what keeps me coming back to Balekambang Park. Eventually, this place became my favorite place to be alone and calm my heart.
Apart from being a place to relax, this park is also a space for me to reflect. There are many things I think about when I sit there, especially about the journey of life and the dreams I want to achieve. I often imagine how my life will go in the future, whether I will always find a place that can provide tranquility like this, or whether one day I will find home in a different form. However, one thing is for sure, Balekambang Park has become part of my journey.
Once, I came to this park when it was raining. Instead of seeking shelter, I chose to sit under a large tree that slightly protected me from the drops. The sound of rain falling onto the surface of the pond sounded like a soothing melody. I put in my earphones and chose a soft song to accompany the atmosphere. At that moment, I felt like the outside world was far away, and there was only me, the rain, and an inexplicable peace.
Experiences like these make me realize that happiness doesn’t always have to come from big things or great achievements. Sometimes, happiness comes from small moments that we experience wholeheartedly, such as sitting in a park while reading, feeling the wind on our face, or listening to the sounds of nature without distraction.
Balekambang Park also taught me to value my own time more. As someone who is often surrounded by activities and social interactions, finding time for myself feels like a luxury. In this place, I could truly enjoy time to myself, without feeling lonely. I learned that solitude is not something to be feared, but something to be enjoyed and cherished. Solitude is not always scary, and solitude is not always tense. Sometimes with solitude we can understand ourselves. And rest from the noisy world, as well as the lies we do to be a mask of kindness to our fellow humans. It’s tiring, but that’s how I live my life.
Although Balekambang Park is just a park in the middle of the city, for me, it is more than just a park. It’s not just a park with trees, it’s a place where I can feel free, a place where I can feel a calmness that is hard to find anywhere else. Whenever I feel tired or need time to think, I know that I can always come back to this park. Balekambang Park has become my second home, a place where I can release the burden of life’s problems.
Balekambang Park reminds me that in a life full of hustle and bustle and pressure, we still need to find space to breathe. Sometimes, a simple place like this park can be the perfect escape. Here, I learned to appreciate the moment more, be more aware of my surroundings, and most importantly, recognize myself more.
If one day I have to leave this city, I know that I will miss Balekambang Park. I will miss the sound of the calm water, the shadows of the trees dancing in the wind, and the peaceful atmosphere that always welcomes me every time I come. Maybe I’ll find another place that can provide the same tranquility, but Balekambang Park will always be a part of my journey-a place where I learned about stillness, about the meaning of enjoying time alone, and about finding peace in the midst of a world that is constantly moving.
By: Adinda Dhaly A I
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