In this busy, noisy place we call our world, it isn’t always easy to find an opportunity to enjoy some simple peace and quiet. We are bombarded from all directions with constant sound and motion, so being able to sit in stillness and reflect a little can seem downright elusive.
As challenging as it is to carve out some quiet time for prayer or meditation, it is something we should strive to include in our daily lives. It is during these silent moments that we nourish our spiritual selves, while also replenishing our tired bodies and minds. Continue reading to learn why spending time in reflection is so beneficial to us.
Why We Need Our Quiet Time
With all this crazy commotion that is daily life, setting aside some down time to sit alone in silence is exactly what we need most. Quiet time allows us to power down, to take a break from all the distractions that hold our thoughts captive, and to just let them flow.
Spending some quiet time in prayer or meditation is also restorative to our physical selves. Quiet time helps us to better manage stress, and thus can reduce muscle tension, calm our breathing, lower our blood pressure, and decrease our heart rate.
And then there are the mental health benefits of taking some quiet time for reflection, including:
- Time to daydream. The beauty of quiet time is that it does not have to be productive in any way. Spending time in silence allows our minds to wander and daydream randomly, giving us a nice respite.
- Experience gratitude. Sometimes we need silence and alone time to be able to ponder our many blessings and reflect on the nice things that people have done for us. It gives us an opportunity to be thankful.
- Explore insights and thoughts. When we quiet our inner noise we are able to think deeper thoughts and to contemplate our relationships. We are also better able to process our feelings about something that might be bothering us.
4 Ways to Enjoy Quiet Time
There is no “right way” to spend your quiet time. Each of us has our own ideas about how we best experience reflecting on life or the divine. Consider these possibilities:
- Whether you identify with a particular religious belief system or prefer to worship and pray outside of those structures, spending time in prayer can be immensely soothing. Prayer is a personal conversation with a higher being, whether that is God, Jesus, or any other transcendent being, and can provide much solace.
- Meditation involves focusing on a mental image or visualization that leads to enhanced awareness and an overall sense of peace. Starting with a few minutes of quiet reflection can over time eventually evolve into regular 30-minute meditation sessions. Meditation helps to calm the noise in our mind and helps us attain spiritual growth.
- Convening with nature. Some people seek their peace of mind in nature. In fact, our natural surroundings can inspire a soaring sense of spirituality. Immersing yourself in nature through solo activities, like hiking, cycling, walking, taking photographs, or plein air painting, offers plenty of alone time for exploring deep thoughts and daydreams.
- Experiential practices. Some people connect with their inner self through experiential activities. Examples include practicing yoga, mindfulness, or even listening to soothing music. These activities can forge a connection between the mind, soul, and the transcendent.
So, the next time you feel rattled and overwhelmed with the busy-ness and sheer noise of life, excuse yourself for fifteen minutes to spend a little time in quiet reflection. You will re-emerge in a much more peaceful state of mind.
