At the beginning of this year, I made a decision to plan a few one night get away adventures… just me! The camping locations I’ve visited so far are an hour or so from home with accessible trails that I can hike, bike or run. My intention for these mini getaways is to create a time for me to reflect, replenish, and stop “doing”. Arriving at my campsite, I would usually take the first few hours to explore the trails and beaches and enjoy the surrounding nature. Once back at my site however, my fingers itched to check my phone for messages, email and the latest in my newsfeed. I had to fight the urge to fill my brain up with technology’s siren song!
“Boredom is your imagination calling to you.” Sherry Turkle
Why All the Chatter?
Do you find it difficult to cut out all of the constant input and chatter that can preoccupy our brains? Living in our modern times we can find it difficult to sustain longer silences in this fast-paced and gadget filled world.
A Harvard Business Review article on the benefits of silence explains, “Many of us have forgotten (or even fear) quiet. We live in a world full of noise and chatter. A world wherein our daily routines are inundated with distractions and responsibilities.”
It’s Awkward!
Silence can feel awkward and even quite uncomfortable. If your brain is used to a constant stream of external noises and your own internal chatter then it will take some time to get comfortable with the slowing and quieting of your mind.
Start Small
The thought of going silent for any length of time may make your heart race, toes curl or, like me, have fingers that inch toward your phone. With any change in behavior, it’s a good idea to start with a small (short) amount of time, say 10-15 minutes. And, at first it will most likely be uncomfortable and awkward!
You are unique and your silent time will be unique to what your needs and interests are.
I’ve listed a few ideas below if you need an idea or two to get started.
A Few Silent Time Ideas
-Allow yourself to be (gasp!) BORED. Let your mind drift and observe where it takes you.
-Journal. Write the thoughts in your head down on paper; especially if you have a hard time quieting your brain.
-Fully immerse yourself in a book in which you can learn something.
-Bring to mind things that you are grateful for.
-Reflect on what truly make you happy and make a plan for how to get more of that in
your life.
-Think of a creative “out of the box” idea that might be fun to do. (If you get excited
about the idea, commit to develop it further and share the idea with others!)
-Evaluate your current energy levels: physical, emotional, and intellectual. Are there any changes you need to make in your routine or calendar to optimize your energy?
If you want to be successful, clearer focused, and happier person, then creating a practice of silence may be your superpower!
Curious to find out if coaching is right for you? Contact Carol for a complimentary 20-minute session.
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