One Silent Moment at a Time

In all the things you plan and do, how much time do you allot for your own relaxation, self introspection, quiet reflection? We do so much for our work, our family, our homes, even our leisure activities that we forget to build in quiet times where we can be alone with our thoughts. Today’s quote caught my eye as I was working to relax, an oxymoron I know! The text reads as follows:

No one can be truly great until he has gained a knowledge of himself, a knowledge which can only be acquired by occasional retirement.

-Johann Georg von Zimmermann

Occasional retirement…great phrase. The ability to leave our regularly scheduled elements of life alone for long enough for us to clear our heads. This may not be something you do often, and yet when you do practice being quiet you do notice a difference. You are sharper, calmer, more focused and better able to handle the monumental tasks each day requires. When we give ourselves the gift of silence we are giving ourselves the best of ourself. Thinking, pondering, praying, believing and hoping all take time. Self reflection, lessons learned and processed, breathing deeply and on purpose ALL require us to be silent. To be still. To turn off technology and be still.

Be still. Be silent. Be okay with being alone.

I took struggle with this. There is sooo very much to do each day and the thought of sitting and doing nothing seems crazy. The opposite also sounds crazy – never being quiet or alone long enough to have a clear, concise thought – WOW! Are we that over scheduled and unable to deal with silence? For me my quiet time comes at night. Everyone in my household has gone to be and that is when I am able to think, process and enjoy peace and quiet. Hooray for being a night owl. I have friends who do what I do in the early morning. However it works for your life’s rhythm, be sure to do it.

Put down the technology and sit still, even if only for five minutes. Try it, you will see a difference. Make it a habit and you will be able to change your life for the better. It’s the simplest, easiest and cheapest way to make change happen. The hard part is actually doing it.

Be still. Be silent. Be okay with being alone…and change your life one silent moment at a time.