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Silence, Stillness and Rest How much time do you spend outdoors? When we think of children we tend to think of ‘whirlwinds of energy’ but if you observe children (especially your own) or think back to when you were a child – most children are incredibly good at RELAXING. I mean, have you seen how patiently they observe the long marching lines of ants traversing your property or the slow disintegration of clouds? We can learn a lot from them! Quote Silence, Stillness and Rest What is your idea of stillness? A fleeting moment of reflection? A quick coffee break in the communal kitchen? A weekend retreat in the mountains? OR inner peace? What is your idea of rest? Parking off in front of the television? A two hour nap? A family holiday by the coast? OR daily moments of solace? Many of us thrive by feeding our egos – by this I mean that we convince ourselves that each and every moment of each day has to be filled with verbs. We read the newspapers, visit the websites, watch television, read the book, make supper, help with the homework, mow the lawn, pay the bills, learn a lesson... There is nothing wrong with all of the above. I agree that we have to pay bills, help our children with tasks and eat supper. The thing is this, the ego you see, is constantly working on our fears, raising doubt and cluttering our mind with unnecessary trivia – just so we don’t find the time to feel and move beyond our so-called limited experiences. The ego despises inner peace. It’s simply not OK to leave the plates unwashed, the socks on the floor, the weeds in the flowerbed or the washing in the basket, for another day… I know of many relationships hitting the skids because ‘the spouse’ wants ‘everything’ just so – right – in its place – perfect. What the spouse in these cases does not understand is that by ‘keeping busy’ she (or he) is avoiding serious self-reflection and change. Change is necessary. Change is inevitable. You can run but you cannot hide. I recommend daily periods of silence and solitude. Silence is the key to inner transformation and people who avoid periods of silence and solitude are running away from personal change. Try this – you won’t regret it, I promise. The next time someone presents you with an opportunity or a task and you have to make a decision; stand up, take a deep breath, shake the tension from you body – starting with your arms and then your legs – then go outside. Once outside (whether in your garden, or the company’s gardens or the local park) relax into the moment. Pay attention. See the roses in bloom, observe the wind in the trees, and breathe in deeply… On returning to your desk you will be able to make the best decision because you will be able to feel your decision. Decisions made in moments of stillness are decisions you won’t be filing under ‘REGRETS’. Peace is when time doesn’t matter as it passes by. Yolanda McAdam Yolanda holds one-on-one and small group sessions during the week and on Saturdays and facilitates Self-empowerment and Life Purpose workshops. She can be contacted on 072-113-2374 or via email: lifesalon@tiscali.co.za
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