Cultivate Quiet
Coming out of a long string of traumatic and highly stressful months and diving straight into another set of (good but) depleting and stressful months has me ready to drop over mentally, physically and spiritually. The constant whirlwinds of life, of keeping up with teens, of the noise and energy of a boy, of changes of all kinds can be dizzying. The quiet I crave never comes when I think it will. If I just make it 'til x then…Well, when x happens then…The thing I've discovered over the last few years is that quiet for my soul will never just arrive but needs to be cultivated.
How does one go about cultivating? I'm still trying to figure it out, but here are a few ways I cultivate quiet:
Quiet is sometimes a state of mind rather than a set of circumstances. When regular alone time isn't an option, I have found that "checking out" of the current ruckus helps tremendously. Simply thinking about something light and fun, daydreaming about something good for a minute or just sitting and sipping a glass of water and not thinking at all are ways I check out regularly!
Out-loud Prayers make a massive difference. Second by second prayers are my lifeline, but talking to God out loud (looks crazy but) is quite freeing! There's something settling about crying out to our Father God -- He's entirely peace giving, right?
Feed your soul on the fringe hours. I haven't read this book yet, but when I came across it recently I immediately connected! Using the random pockets of time throughout the day to take care of ourselves are critical. If you're craving this practice, the book will probably help you get there! Looks super inspirational!
These are just a few simple ways I practice a little soul care. Sometimes it feels like too much work, but I'm sure you would agree that when we do make the time for caring for our souls we are better people for it.
I could use some other ideas -- what ways do you cultivate quiet?
