I fear that all too often our lives are filled with noise, with chaos, and with distractions that will only leave us empty and frustrated. There is something to be said for quietness, for peace, and for time alone in silence. If you’re finding yourself more and more overwhelmed with the daily stress of life, then I want to challenge you to find time for silence in your daily routine.
1. Silence Gives Time for Reflection
When we take time out to be silent, we can reflect on our actions, on the actions of others, and on what we really want out of life. Reflection time can be very powerful when we take this time if silence consistently. If you’re looking for a simple way to get started, just find a local park, or a cemetery, or a quiet corner in your local coffee shop or bookstore. Turn off the music, stop reading, put down your phone, and sit back and think.
- If you’re looking for somewhere to get started, just ask yourself some simple questions:
- What did I do today that will have a lasting positive impact on the world around me?
- What did I do today that I wish I wouldn’t have done?
- How did I take care of myself today?
- How did I help someone else today?
Reflect on your actions, on the actions of others, and resolve to do more of what you’re proud of and less of what you’re ashamed of. Let the silence wash your brain of clutter, and help you refocus on your priorities.
2. Silence Gives Time for Creativity
I believe that we are all creative in different ways, and I believe that when we use our creativity in positive outlets we have the power to change the world. When you are able to sit back and have times of silence to yourself, you make room for your creative self to explore new ideas. Your thoughts can wander, you can daydream, and you can imagine the “what ifs” of life.
I believe that our creativity is fueled by what we put into our minds, but I also believe it needs a time and a place to come out. If you’re feeling stifled, and think the monotony of your daily routine is holding you back, find a stream, or a lake, or any moving water, and sit back and enjoy the silence. I think you’ll find your creativity starts flowing easily just like the water in front of you. Use the time of silence to grow your creative self.
3. Silence Gives Time for Planning
When life gets busy we are forced to act quickly, with little or no time to plan, and so it is important to build in times for yourself to sit silently and plan. Planning leads to order and stability, and so your silent time can help you plan for your future, and for the future of those that you influence.
When we have a plan, we often feel more secure, and our stress level is much lower. Even if you are the type of person who thrives on living by the seat of your pants, planning can be a new approach that gives others around you a much welcomed change of pace. Take time to sit silently, take notes, and plan your coming week, month, and year. Set goals for yourself, and then reflect on them in your times of silence. You’ll be surprised to see how far you’ve come when you are consistently planning out your goals.
4. Silence Gives Time for Healing
No matter how hard we try, we all end up saying things that we regret. We hurt others with our words and actions, and when we want to fix things and move forward, it is easy to want to keep explaining our actions. Sometimes silence is the best course of action.
Although I am a slow learner, I am learning that sometimes just sitting silently is the best choice when I’ve hurt or offended someone. Adding more words to the situation is not necessarily going to take away the stupid words I’ve said before. As the saying goes, silence is golden, and I’m learning that keeping my mouth shut is often the best way to stop hurting others and to start helping them. Sometimes we need a few moments of silence, and sometimes a few years, but in the end, silence will always be better than adding more hurtful words to a person’s heart. I am learning to cherish the silence.
5. Silence Gives Time for Peace
Most important of all, times of silence will give you peace if you practice them consistently. I believe that personal peace and order comes from our own choices to take time for ourselves in silent reflection. The more time we spend silently observing, giving thanks, considering our own words and actions, and planning for our future, then the more peace we can hold in our own hearts.
Everyone could use more peace and happiness in this life, and I believe that it’s very much in our own control. Today in the midst of your hectic lifestyle, I would encourage you to carve out times of silence. We could all use more peace, and if you are consistent in your times of silence, I believe that you can find peace too.
How do you spend your silent times? Share your thoughts and inspirations in the comments below.