Quieter Moments

Accomplishing goals and tasks can be quite fulfilling. Being busy keeps us in motion, and it feels as if time can pass quickly with our activity. While action and productivity fill us with purpose, we can ignore what it’s doing to our body and mind. The nonstop go-go-go of our busy lives can leave little room for restful contemplation and recuperation. However, it is notable to mention that even tiny lulls in the day bring great value.

Leaning into the slow times can be nurturing, but it can also feel disorienting. Many of us have been conditioned to the notion that productivity equals success. While that may be true in business, constant action may be less successful for our overall health. Occasionally, when we finally stop, sickness can even pop in because a worn-down body has difficulty fighting off foreign invaders.

Whether we are traveling to an intended destination, doing chores around the house or getting ourselves ready for the day, we can add moments to slow our thoughts by checking in with our physical body. With positive attention directed inward, we are bringing in healing energy. If we maintain a single focus long enough and listen, clarity will come.

Another action is always a second away. When we send healing, positive thoughts to our internal vehicle during the slower moments, the mind, body and spirit will be able to find its natural balance.

Action:
Placing direct focus on one thing makes busy thoughts quiet down. There are some days when couch sitting can happen, and this seems like an obvious chance to connect into the body. There’s also opportune times like showering, using the bathroom, eating and just before bedtime. All of these occasions can be used as a mini rejuvenation. One technique is to bring the awareness to the chest and focus on its rise and fall. You can even place the palms on the upper chest, paying special attention to its response to the pressure and temperature of the hands. How long can you continue attention to this one purpose? Is it boring or challenging? Stay with the focus of the chest for one minute, working up to five. These moments will allow you to slow down overactive thoughts and tap into your body’s rhythm.