Americans are uncomfortable with silence. It unnerves us. In this era of ubiquitous technology, from smart phones to iPads, we are often in motion, seldom still, rarely listening.
Small talk, endless uncomfortable chatter, music, any sound to pierce the quietness. If we meet someone who is quiet or introverted they are characterized as abnormal, somehow deficient.
Yet the most creative and inspired among us are still, unafraid to listen and confront their own vulnerabilities.
Like so many of you, at times I stuff my mind with noise instead of embracing the cleansing power of stillness.
When you awake at 4am, tossing and turning, instead of turning on the radio or scanning Facebook, listen, begin to confront what you run from fiercely. Only through this kind of fearless exploration can one genuinely begin to evolve and transcend merely existing.
Further Exploration:
Thich Nhat Hanh and Walking Meditation
Emelda De Coteau
Latest posts by Emelda De Coteau (see all)
- Dear America – Nothing Will Change Until You Face Yourself - June 19, 2018
- Weekly Devotional: Seeing Miracles Everyday - June 15, 2018
- Weekly Devotional: Learning to Trust God Through the Rain - June 6, 2018
Thank you for this reminder to be still…and quiet…. I hardly know what it means to embrace solitude anymore; there are always distractions…the computer, the television, the phone, etc.! Wishing you peace today!
Hi Deb,
Thanks for reading!!
I am constantly reminding myself! As someone who is constantly going, I have to just stop & breath sometimes. :)) Glad you connected to the post!
Live In Color – E
I’m glad you remember to stop and breath sometimes. π
Love the blog! Not sure if my first comment posted or not. But it was basically about the process of writing and how writing is an “act of discovery”! (I reallIy like that description about writing!) All the best to you for Discovering You!
Thats whats up Emelda. It is definitely important to have self-reflection and to separate yourself from noise and potential distractions which may hinder you from being able to hear your inner-self. Keep up the great work.
Indeed! We def. have to work at cultivating peace. Thanks so much for reading, bother. π
Why I love the early morning…best time to practice what you’re reminding us of here.
Hi Jim,
Exactly! We are on the same pg.! π
Love your blog E!
Thank you so much, girl! That means a lot. I really appreciate you for following, too!
Quietness unwind us from all the noise and interference with life and gadgets. Once I dropped my children off this morning, I realized I had 40 minutes to relax. I went home and set in my favorite place in my home with no sound. I was able to clear my mind and brace myself my the day ahead. I look forward to your blogs, keep writing.
Thank you so much, Shelly! So grateful that you are able to read these posts & we can dialogue.
Wow! Good for you! You exhaled. π
Iζ¦ not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Many thanks