Creating a Quiet Space
I’ve written about creating a physical quiet space - a room or corner of a room that you can make your own personal retreat. A quiet area where you can rest and “get away from it all”. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? What happens after you create that space? What do you do with it? The purpose of creating a quiet physical space is to help you create a quiet emotional space. A place to go when you need some peace and quiet. But how do you get the quiet?
Some people read, some people listen to music. I believe that in order to truly find the quiet you simply must “be”. That means no music, no sounds, no reading, no talking. Simply sitting and breathing. Some might call it meditation, others might call it a sitting practice. Either way, you are only doing 2 things: sitting and breathing.
Life doesn’t get any more simple than that yet we panic at the thought! The mind starts going even faster thinking “You want me to just sit? I don’t have time for that!”
I used to think I didn’t have time for that and then I took my meditation class this summer and I realize I do have time. My sitting practice allows me to sit, breathe and relax into what is happening NOW. As a result I feel like I have more time because I’m more focused.
I feel a difference in myself when I do vs don’t take time to sit (meditate).
When I do make the time:
- I get more accomplished during the day
- My attitude is calm and positive
- My body and my mind stay more relaxed
- Things make sense - I find clarity on a lot of issues.
When I don’t make the time:
- I get frustrated easily
- I feel like my mind is a constant tennis match - thoughts going back and forth with no end
- I can feel the stress taking over in my body
- I feel like I’ve wasted my entire day - tasks don’t get accomplished as easily.
I know it’s not for everyone. It does work for me, though. I was told once not to believe what you hear until you experience it for yourself. If it sounds even a little interesting, I invite you to explore it more. “Don’t knock it til you try it” as they say.
If you decide to start a meditation or sitting practice, be patient. Panic, frustration and impatience are sure to arise. We are not used to just sitting and breathing for an extended period without reading, talking, music, doing something. Find a class or instructor if you are just starting. Not only will you practice under guidance, you will have someone to talk to about the panic and frustration.
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