Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
How often do you pause during the day to be still for a moment and focus on your breath? Are there certain people that you know who try to implement silence as much as possible into their everyday lives?
In what ways do you imagine your mood benefiting from just a few minutes of quiet and calmness throughout your week? Can you think of small changes you can add to your day that will give you the space for more moments of relaxation and enjoyment?
II. Thoughts for intention
There are plenty of benefits you gain from practicing stillness. One of the biggest takeaways in doing so is that it helps reduce responses in your parasympathetic system, which plays an important role in your fight or flight response. By calming your mind on a regular basis, you significantly decrease any factors that directly affect your feelings of peace and ease. Moreover, studies reveal that sticking to a practice gives you even more rewards for your well-being in the long run, such as decreased stress, enhanced cognitive skills, sharpened focus, and better presence.
When we slow down during the day, we discover the immense value of being quiet. Silence can be extremely effective in helping you to notice things around you, explore new ideas, and connect to your sense of self. Because with so many distractions that surround us every day, we can benefit from going inward and tuning in to how we are doing internally. It gives us the space we need to stay in touch with our feelings, overall energy, and personal needs. Additionally, it pulls you out of active mode
III. Ideas for preparation
Luckily, there are simple ways to bring more stillness into your week. You might try setting aside a specific time each day for breathing exercises—just a few minutes to take deep breaths and reset. Another idea is to visit a favorite quiet spot during the day and use that time as a peaceful ritual just for you.
Tuning into our bodies in any given moment is one of the most effective ways to prime ourselves with silence and tranquility. Simply sitting in a comfortable position and sensing the energy of our hands or feet can allow us to get still with our breath. This is a time that we can also schedule periodically into tiny increments throughout our work week. One other option is to start our quiet practice with soft music. Soothing therapy frequencies with binaural beats, for example, are great sounds that we can dabble with for any time of need.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
“You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts; and when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.”
― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet
