Quiet Moments

There are times that you realize your life has been taken over by “commitments”, things that “have” to be done, daily chores and activities to deal with. That “balance” is a totally foreign word in your vocabulary. Somehow there are no quite moments to reflect or even clear your mind of all the “stuff” running through it. Your spirit and soul are somehow stuffed inside the struggles to be dealt with in your life. I had a big “ah ha” moment last week that I was burning the candle at both ends and was on the verge of exhaustion. And we all know that being tired and frustrated lead to choices that really aren’t the best for any aspect of our lives.

It was late, dark and I was finally sitting down to eat my salad (or rabbit food as my son calls it) and I chose to sit on my front porch and just enjoy being outside. The lighting bugs were out and a slight light from the moon in between the clouds going by, the breeze was blowing just enough to really enjoy it and the night sounds in the country were very calming. It occurred to me just how nice it was to take a few minutes to sit and enjoy nature and life. That it felt like for a short time I could let the worries and struggles of the day go and just be. I was able to take a deep breath and just pause to “hear” myself think and take a few minutes to thank God for the blessings in my life and for helping me through my day.

I have a picture on my wall that says “Take time for quiet moments as God whispers and the world is loud”. There’s no name for who realized this to put it in words – but it speaks to me often. That evening I remembered how essential it is to our mental, physical and emotional well being to take that time – even if it’s just 15 minutes to find quiet and let our minds and body’s rest from all the chaos of the day.

It’s often in these moments we get ideas that will help us on our journey, things to let go of and things we want to do or ways to change something that is bothering us. We cannot change what we do not “know” and we can’t “know” what they are until we stop and are honest with ourselves – being willing to face what is underneath our feelings that lead to thoughts that often control or confuse us.

We cannot find balance or the strength to make any changes, adjust our choices or redirect our thoughts when we never take the time for “quiet” moments. So I challenge you to turn the tv, radio, internet, all devices off for a few minutes each day and just “be” with yourself, God, nature, your dog or cat, etc. and “enjoy” the “quiet” and peace that you can and will find within your soul. It can be very empowering and refreshing, and give you the strength to get back up and begin again, knowing you can continue as you need or begin some changes that your heart desires.

I have now make a commitment to myself that each evening and even sometimes in the morning I will chose these quiet moments to get centered and grounded, connecting with myself and God and gaining the empowerment to keep going with a deep breath and peace replacing the struggle and strife.

Blessings as you enjoy your “moments to cherish” life and all you have to be grateful for.