5 Simple Ways to Maximize Moments of Silence
So you’ve decided to take time for yourself by indulging in the latest and most touted remedy for all things wellness, by meditating, silencing your mind, etc. Maybe this is your first time, or maybe you’re a pro. Either way there’s an art to getting through the mind chatter and into the realm of calm.
I’ve been practicing meditation since 2002 and I’ve found that some days it’s easier said than done. I can tell when I’ve been on my game… life is vibrant, my mind is clear and I feel connected with God in an indescribable way. And when it’s been too long, I’m frustrated and focusing on what isn’t to the point where my physical body and emotions become stressed. And because God is so good and is always seeking ways to bring me back to the place of abundance, I’m reminded to come back to the secret place. At first I’m like a child, kicking and screaming because, “can’t you see I’m busy making things happen, God?!” And boom, as soon as that thought leaves my consciousness, I become aware that it’s the making it happen that has me in a knot. Now, surrendering feels easy and desirable. I get on with it by starting with the short list below.
Eliminate distractions
In order to make space for peace and quiet you have to be proactive about making sure that nothing is competing for your attention. Take time to clear your schedule whether you plan to be away for 15 minutes or an hour.
Set boundaries by telling friends, family, co-workers, etc that you will be unavailable for a specific amount of time. Clear or prioritize outstanding items on your to-do list. Put your phone on do-not-disturb or turn it off. I also like to set a timer if I’m doing this midday or in between meetings.
2. Go Pee
Nothing can be more annoying than the urge to pee right in when you start feeling like you’re getting “into the zone”, so be sure to hydrate throughout the day by drinking water and “letting it go” before you get settled into your desired place and position.
3. Find something to observe
Getting quiet is not about becoming the pop-up blocker for your thoughts for 15 minutes, instead, find a consistent sound. I like the sound of the air conditioner or a lovely app with tranquil sounds to wrap my attention around. Consider your thoughts as people or a car passing by on your way to your destination. Greet them with a graceful nod and keep going.
4. Allow curiosity to be your guide
I’ve found that when I approach anything from a place of curiosity it removes the desire to expect a specific outcome. I prefer to be a curious observer of my internal atmosphere and allow whatever unfolds to be the truth, instead of placing a demand on time and space to give me something specific. Doing this allows me to avoid frustration, the opposite emotion that meditation is designed to bring. I’ve heard it said that “curiosity is the lubricant of life” and the same is true for prayer or meditation.
5. Begin and end with gratitude
Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Accepting that you are enough and worthy of this sacred time will elevate your emotions to the place where you begin to receive all that is available to you.
You can begin by considering all the ways that you are supported.
By family, friends, community or colleagues
With health
By gravity
By the sun that gives warmth or the moon that lights up at night
The device that you found this article on
Ending with gratitude is like the icing on the cake, it’s the highest gesture to time well spent, as if to say thank you… or that you value this time to connect with the limitless resources of your Creator and have made this a regular practice.
Good read? Share it with another resilience warrior and let’s start a revolution of resilient women showing up across the globe!
Your sister and resilience specialist,
Coach Jannah
Stay tuned for more insights, stories, and actionable tips to support you on your resilience journey.
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