Stop! Be quiet! Listen!

Writing is one of my creative outlets. Typically, I write a page or two in my daily journal, post a note on Facebook, or write a couple of sentences in a personal note or card to a loved one. Nothing brilliant or completely new evolves from my writings, but I do promise they are genuine, real, and honest.

Knowing that I enjoy writing and especially journaling, a friend recommended a journaling workshop to me and my daughter. It was our first opportunity to attend together and we both agreed that the time spent was spiritual, inspirational, and highly motivational.

The leader of the workshop, introduced the group to some exercises to quiet the mind and body and to prepare us for meditation, collecting and sorting our thoughts and feelings, and then self-expressing through the written word.

One of the most interesting moments of the workshop was near the beginning. We were asked to sit quietly – no talking and certainly no cell phones allowed. After a few moments of silence, I became aware of my own breathing, the clock ticking, the hum of the air conditioner, and the sound of water bubbling in a small fountain. I was completely mindful of my surroundings.

Over the past few days, I have reflected on this easy exercise and I ask myself, “What have I missed because I did not take time to stop, be quiet, and listen?”.

We live in a world that demands we move quickly and make a lot of noise in doing so. There is no time to slow down to experience and contemplate the moment. If we think about taking our ‘foot off the gas’ and easing up a little, we might get run over!

After the journaling workshop, my husband James and I made a trip to Barnes & Noble. The store was bustling and a long line of people were waiting to checkout. A young couple with small children were in line behind us. The little daughter, who was about 7 years old, was impatient and in an exasperated tone said, “I am in a hurry!” Her daddy quickly told her, “You are too young to be in a hurry!” I thought, well, she’s heard that from someone and she’s already learned that if things aren’t moving fast enough, make noise and complain.

Immediately after leaving the book store, we made a stop at Walmart (please, don’t judge me). As we were heading toward the check out lane, another shopper was forced to slow down otherwise he would have collided with our cart. He told us we were moving too slow. We were astonished by his rudeness and perplexed because we thought we were walking pretty fast!

And to think that only a few hours earlier, I was getting in touch with my inner quietness and my surroundings. I was appalled and repulsed by the lack of serenity and harmony at Walmart! What is wrong with these people? Don’t they know how exciting it is to hear a clock ticking or water bubbling?

This was my aha moment! I had to admit that I, too, am caught up in the insanity of hurriedness and constant noise – music on my car radio, music on my computer at work, opting for Wheel of Fortune and the evening news rather than having dinner with no distractions. I am a card-carrying member of the rat race and I hereby tender my resignation!

In a few days, James and I are going on an extended trip to the mountains. We will be camping in the midst of the most beautiful natural resources in the world. I want to enjoy the sounds of a rushing waterfall, a buzzing bee, and birds singing. I believe, the way to live in that moment of serenity and peace is to stop, be quiet, and listen. And in that place, I am sure that I will discover all the inspiration and motivation I need for filling the pages of my journal.