Quietness Without Loneliness

Going within as we are told to stay in…

Quietness without Loneliness… words silently read but hitting me loud and clear. And an interesting exercise I was eager to try.

I’m reading Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. I love soulful books that help me tap into my soul. I am forever a seeker and now I have some extra time on my hands to seek — through books.

Ryan mentioned The Creative Habit. Notes on a book by Twyla Tharp:

Sit alone in a room and let your thoughts go wherever they will. Do this for one minute. (Anyone can handle one minute of daydreaming.) Work up to ten minutes a day of this mindless mental wandering. Then start paying attention to your thoughts to see if a word or goal materializes. If it doesn’t, extend the exercise to eleven minutes, then twelve, then thirteen… until you find the length of time you need to ensure that something interesting will come to mind. The Gaelic phrase for this state of mind is “quietness without loneliness.”

I put the book down and gave it a try. Opening my mind and releasing any thoughts, after a few minutes the word peaceful came to me. Interesting…My emotions were intense earlier today — not quite sure why. In this moment though, I do feel at peace and still right now.

I’m enjoying the quiet — something that surprises me.

At work I am in constant communication with people either in person or via phone, and music plays in the background. On my ride home is the radio or maybe a phone call. Once home, it’s Pandora playing my favorite songs or a webinar where I may gain some knowledge.

All that stimulation — my normal. Can you relate?

Lately, I’ve been gaining some quite time — and embracing it. As I tap inward to create these articles that I am writing, I have done so in silence.

After reading The Creative Habit excerpt, it brought an awareness that as I look to slow down, this also includes quieting the noise that usually comforts me. Or is it distracting me? Maybe both.

I realize that as I am connecting with so many here and on social media, it’s in a non-verbal way. And I’ve noticed I’m not really picking up the phone and talking. It’s been more texting.

I’ve always been okay with solitude and now I am realizing that I am okay with silence. Away from the distraction and busyness of my normal life, I am appreciating more time to go within and nurture a deeper connection.

I am a believer in directing my energy for the day (everything is energy, including us). My intention has been “Today is a fabulous day”. Now, I will add the intention for it to also be a peaceful day. That’s something I never really thought of before…

…If I set the intention to bring peace into my day, I expect to find peace throughout my day. That I will be more peaceful and therefore my day will move at a slower rate. No longer am I wishing the day will race by so I can get home.

Okay… so adding peace is another piece in the slow down on my journey as I learn to Be…

I share this in hopes that you might be interested in spending some time daily with The Creative Habit. That it might spark something in you as well.

That it will be a tool that you can use to help you during this time and beyond. That it might also guide you to another tool you can use, and add to your emotional toolbox. That you go within and learn more about your true self.

I’m grateful that it brought me to peace, and to bring it into my day. I also will include more quiet time — beyond my writing time. My gosh… I’m turning into my mother… “All I want is peace and quiet”…(Ha! What a flashback :-).

What will it be for you? I hope that you will share.

Until next time~

Sending you light, love — and peace.

Be Well,