Times are hectic these days. Whether you’re a student, working a full-time job, retired, or a stay-at-home mom, the minutes between sunrise and sunset just seem to fly past. If you try and keep up with everything that there is to do you will find yourself running around like a crazy person. That’s why, in spite of all the things on your to-do list, it’s important to take time to create your own stillness.
What does it mean to create your own stillness?
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When you create your own stillness, you spend time doing whatever it is that makes you feel better. For some it may be reading, other may prefer a jog in the fresh air, still others find rest and relaxation from a weekly pedicure or massage.
Creating stillness is not “making time for yourself”
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Making time for yourself is something completely different because “time for yourself” encompasses self care needs like getting exercise and working on a hobby. These are things you should do because they are important for your well-being. Stillness, on the other hand, implies time of quiet inner reflection.
Are you ready to create your own stillness?
Here’s how to make this happen in your life. First, you have to find a time in your day when you can be quiet. This may be in the morning or at night, or on your lunch break or while the children are napping. Second, set aside anything that will distract you. Put your phone on silent or in the other room and don’t turn on the TV or computer. Third, set your mind on the present. There are plenty of other things you could be doing at this moment, but for your own peace and well-being you have to choose to focus on your current activity. Fourth, be still and enjoy your time with yourself. If you are doing something physical like exercising, concentrate on your muscles as you move. If you are reading, make a mental picture of the text. Enjoy this time because the rest of the day is probably going to be very rushed!
What Makes You Feel at Peace?
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What works for me may not work for others. I am a morning person so I get up before the family to spend some time in the peace and quiet. I’ve noticed that this helps me to start my day off on the right foot. That quiet morning time gives me an opportunity to think about the important things that have to happen that day so that I stay focused and don’t get sidetracked by the unimportant. In the span of about 25 minutes I read my Bible, pray, and think about how I want to conduct myself that day. I often write little reminders on a sticky note or even my hand to keep my mind on the right track. But even before I was a Christian, I still got up early and worked out in my living room or listened to music. Those quiet moments by myself have always helped me to feel centered before I start my day.
Peace and tranquility aren’t going to just come to you. You have to make time for them in your busy schedule. It takes some purposeful planning, but once you’ve been at it for a while you will find that creating time for stillness will become a habit. It will be something you look forward to because it recharges you and brings you inner refreshment.
Do you make time to be still? What do you like to do in your quiet time?
