In the modern world of 24/7 connectivity and the busyness of life, silence and solitude are a rare occurrence in most of our lives.
The antidote to overdosing on connectivity and busyness is spending time in silence and solitude.
Consciously spending time in silence and solitude clears the time and space for you to simply be, hear yourself think and gain clarity.
It gives your nervous system the space to downshift into a place of restoration — restoration that is needed to continue to live and be effective in the modern world.
Research says that as little as two minutes of silence releases tension and stress in the brain and the body. You’re worth two minutes, right?
Practical ways to cultivate silence and solitude:
- Breathe: For two minutes, close your eyes and inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of four. Do this several times a day.
- Turn off the radio in the car.
- Unplug when you get home from work — turn off alerts, and stop checking email or social media.
- Unplug for a whole day.
- Consider a silent retreat for a half day or more.
- Read or listen to spiritual books.
- Attend a religious service.
Practical Resources on Silence and Solitude:
The Art of Stillness (Pico Iyer Ted talk)
(The Art of Stillness, Pico Iyer (book)
Why Silence is So Good for Your Brain
The Classroom of Silence (Matthew Kelly) video