Five Ways To Invite More Quiet & Reflection Into Your Day
We live in such a fast-paced world, so connected to our technology, that we often forget the value of slowing down and taking the time to be quiet.
When was the last time you went for a walk without your smartphone and really paid attention to the sights, sounds and smells of Nature all around you? Or the last time you sat on a park bench, or your couch, and just closed your eyes and relaxed? No tv or Netflix streaming in the background , no music… just quiet time to “be.”
Learning to slow down and quiet your mind helps recharge your batteries and fuels overall emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Taking the time to pause and slow down allows you to reflect on what’s happening in your life so that you can make well-thought out decisions vs. constantly reacting to the stresses and demands of daily life.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to slow down and invite more quiet and reflection in…
Begin counting your blessings! Keep a gratitude journal and write down five specific things you’re thankful for each day. Keep it by your bedside so you’re reminded to do it each morning or evening. This is one of the most powerful practices you can do. Studies consistently show that people who practice gratitude on a regular basis are happier, more optimistic, have lower levels of stress and sleep better. You can also visit my website and get a free 10-minute gratitude meditation when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
Take some time to meditate each day. This can be as simple as finding a quiet space, sitting in silence, and paying attention to your breath as you inhale and exhale. If you’re new to meditation and would like some guidance, I would recommend trying an app like Insight Timer. It has thousands of guided meditations you can choose from that range in length and is a great place to help you get started.
Take some time to just “be” and do nothing. In our busy, fast-paced world when was the last time you turned off your phone and the tv without a movie or music playing in the background and just relaxed? Next time you’re craving a little more peace and calm, find a quiet park bench or your couch sit down and just breathe.
Begin a “three good things” journal. Each evening write down three things that went well during your day. Even if something happened like getting a flat tire, one of your good things for that day might end up being “AAA was able to get there to help me change my tire so I could still make it to work in time for the important meeting I had this morning.” Keeping a journal like this helps us train our minds to focus on the positive and what’s going right in our lives.
Make your morning coffee or tea time a quiet ritual. Get up a little earlier than usual to give yourself time to sit and sip your favorite morning beverage in the peace and solitude of the early morning before everyone else in your house gets up.
What are some of the ways you make time for quiet and reflection in your life?
Feel free to leave a comment below and share here!