Quiet time each day is so important but many of us are so out of practice that it's almost unnerving to be in stillness.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time avoiding being quiet and alone because it seems like that would be impossible to do. Many of us are so out of practice that it's almost unnerving to have a moment to ourselves. Being alone also brings up the possibility that deep, unpleasant emotions will arise and send us into states of chaos and fear. Experiencing our inner lives means taking time each day to simply be alone and quiet in the presence of our soul.
One of the reasons it can be uncomfortable to sit with ourselves is because our inner voice might question the way we are living or some of the choices we are making. Sometimes, this voice reminds us of secret inner yearnings and sorrows and unlived dreams. However, it's these reminders that connect us to our authentic selves and represent the very things that make our lives worth living.
To begin the process of being more present and less absent in life, we might want to set aside just a few minutes each day to simply sit quietly and focus on our breath. We can observe the nature of our minds and notice what kinds of thoughts are driving us. We can get to know ourselves more intimately and practice strong determination as we sit for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes etc... There may even come a time when we grow to love this daily contemplation practice. Perhaps it starts in a certain room in our house, then we take it on a walk in the forest, then it begins to influence the way we interact with others. Eventually, we use our deep breathing, mind observation skills and newly cultivated insights to help us in all aspects of life. We ultimately become more aware and more awake to reality and in doing so, a certain surrender and strength becomes our new norm.
Spending just a few moments practicing quiet, inner observation is called meditation. It's always available and accessible and the benefits are profound.
