By Bronwyn Ison
Silence is extraordinarily powerful. We need and should remain reticent several times per week. Embracing silence allows us to gather our thoughts, foster cohesiveness and maintain overall calmness. There are a couple ways you can observe the topic of silence. You may need a quiet domain to relax, pray, or meditate. Or, you may require silence between you and another person. Either way, silence speaks volumes. Each of us needs a quiet void for greater peace of mind.
Whether you are an early riser or not, the best time to observe silence is at the commencement of your day. If you are a parent, rise prior to your child/children. Sit quietly and prepare your mind and body. Commencing your day in silence will allow you to gather your thoughts. You will be less likely to experience stress. While in silence, you may want to find a calming breathing pattern. Most of the time our breaths are short and shallow. Find length in your breath and your central nervous system will thank you!
Have you needed to observe quiet with a person or some people in your life? It doesn’t translate to completely shutting the person and/or people out of your life but rather, you need a break. If you are cognizant you need to find stillness and quiet time away from someone, listen to that inner voice. If you have felt unappreciated or mentally abused, break your silence by observing space and quiet time away from the environment. Your peace of mind is far more important. It is not your responsibility to continue to accommodate and succumb to a destructive relationship.
Overall, silence can be somewhat foreign to us. Our society is inundated with so much noise. How do you start your day? Do you immediately turn on the news or listen to music first thing in the morning? If you think about it, you instantaneously cluttered your mind from the moment you stepped out of bed. Though you have rested all night, the last thing your brain requires is immediate stimulation.
Try these five tips the next time you feel overwhelmed with noise, need some quiet time or desire to give yourself a break from someone who may not deserve your time and attention.
- Reconcile your EGO! The next time you are experiencing a disagreement with someone, remain silent. You can preclude saying something that could be very hurtful to the other person.
- Stay away from the water cooler and from gossiping with friends over coffee. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING good will result from talking about others.
- Listen to what others have to say rather than feeling you must talk all the time. Your friend, partner or spouse has something to offer too.
- You have the house to yourself. Relish in the silence.
- Begin and end your day with positive reflection. Establish your goals in the morning and recognize at the end of the day if you completed the tasks at hand.
Lighten your load and find time each day to be still and quiet. This is one of the resolute avenues of taking care of you!
Bronwyn Ison is the owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com 760.564.YOGA (9642)
