Some time ago, I blogged about the ways in which we avoid silence and stillness, and how I reclaim it for myself through short silent retreats. The loveliness of silence and stillness is dreamed of by most of us in theory, and yet when we actually have the ability to disconnect and revel in it, we choose to quickly fill the space instead.  Why? 

I think that I was always sort of afraid on some level  of what I would experience.  Would I have some great revelation that would force me to totally change my life?  Would I experience fear or discomfort that I could not handle?

It does take a bit of courage, I think, to face these fears of what lies waiting in silence and stillness.  Without having experienced the vast depth of the present moment, the peace of silence, we allow our fears to label it as a void that needs to be filled.  Little by little every moment is filled by us, as we numb out, distract, and disconnect from the true essence of life. Then we wonder why we feel something is missing, a lack of purpose.  THIS is why!

Silence and stillness are two portals to inner peace, the knowing that everything is just as it should be. They are a restoration of awe and wonder in our lives.  The ability to stare up at the infinite stars in the night sky and be in complete awe, rather than naming the constellations and looking for satellites.

Denying silence and stillness is just a habit, a misunderstanding.  A habit that can be changed with more intention and awareness.  If you find you over-indulge in any of the activities below, try cutting out or cutting back on some for a week  to increase silence and stillness in your life as an experiment:

• Drinking caffeine
• Drinking alcohol
• Checking or sending emails
• Talking on the phone
• Texting
• Engaging with others on social media sites
• Watching TV
• Chronically complaining about what isn't working
• Fueling drama
• Rushing from one task/activity to another
• Getting "caught up"
• Taking care of the needs of others