Quiet Time

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we often think we have to follow tradition and engage in all sorts of festivities, host and/or attend parties or other large gatherings, buy gifts that we likely put on a credit card, possibly causing financial difficulties and anxiety, and indulge in all sorts of food that we reserve for only special occasions which leads to weight gain and preparing for the dreaded New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, get out of debt, etc. We struggle to make the holiday season a perfect ideal event or series of events, and this, on top of what we must do in daily life, can lead to stress, burn-out, and overwhelm.

It’s important to take stock of what really matters and what is just ‘expected’, especially if it doesn’t bring us any real joy.

“Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.”

Hans Margolius

By allowing ourselves to take a much-needed break now and then, we give our bodies a chance to relax, our minds to unwind, and our stress levels to decrease. By intentionally creating moments of stillness, we can cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace that is often lacking during this time of year.

“Silence is a profound melody, for those who can hear it above all the noise.”

Socrates

When we are constantly engaged in activities and surrounded by noise, our minds can become cluttered, overwhelmed, and foggy. Slowing down and taking some quiet time allows us to clear our thoughts, gain mental clarity, and make better decisions. In addition, it will help stimulate inspiration, creativity, and productivity, because when we give ourselves time to rest, we come back to our lives with renewed energy and focus.

By honoring ourselves and prioritizing self-care, we give our bodies the chance to recover, repair, and strengthen. It supports a healthy immune system, improves sleep quality, and reduces the risk of burnout and chronic stress-related conditions. Incorporating moments of rest and silence into our lives is essential for maintaining balance and overall well-being.

“Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence.”

Deepak Chopra

Slowing down and taking some quiet time for ourselves allows us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. It creates space for self-reflection, introspection, and self-awareness. By intentionally carving out moments of stillness, we can better understand our needs, desires, and values. This self-awareness empowers us to make conscious choices aligned with our authentic selves.

Incorporating these practices into our lives may require intentional effort and discipline, but the benefits are well worth it, and are powerful tools for nurturing our well-being, fostering creativity, and living a more balanced and fulfilling life.

“We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly – spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.”

Susan L. Taylor