You probably have several friends and acquaintances who constantly complain about their lack of solitude. Perhaps they don't complain, but they remain in a hectic lifestyle because they do not know any other way to behave. Maybe you are one of them.
Examining the lives of overly busy people will likely reveal that they are not content or happy. There is always so much to do but so little time. Perhaps you're reading this because you're feeling rushed and want to slow down to reap the benefits of being still.
Two Varieties of Quietude
You can be quiet in your body and quiet in your mind. Both are essential. Being physically still conserves a great deal of energy and effort. You will experience less fatigue by the end of the day. Mental tranquilly has the same effect on your mental, intellectual, and emotional energy.
To achieve physical calmness, you need only complete your tasks and then unwind. Even while performing your duties, you can conserve energy by moving minimally. Observe a monk performing this action to get an idea of how to proceed. Or observe how a cat unwinds.
Mindfulness is more challenging to attain. However, this type of tranquilly is much more essential to overall happiness.
How do you react when receiving shocking news?
How about when you achieve your professional goals, win an award, or find yourself in a crisis?
You experience a surge of adrenaline and then explode in an outburst of emotion, words, or action.
Why do you need to cultivate stillness if this is a natural reaction to significant changes?
When you are centred, in the middle, you can see both ends of the spectrum.
When you refrain from overreacting, you can exert control over your response to the situation. You can be impartial. Most importantly, you can use your circumstances to develop yourself.
From a different angle, you will be less likely to experience extreme ups and downs if you have developed inner calm.
Try the following to develop a calm mind:
1. Stop.
In extreme circumstances, step back from the situation for a moment. Take a deep breath before responding.
2. Listen.
Pay close attention to what is being said. Bring your mind back to the present if you are compelled to speak prematurely. Return your focus to what the other person is saying.
3. Think.
Consider why you're in this situation. Did you contribute to its creation? Is the other simply your reflection? Is there something you should gain from this experience?
You can avoid overreacting or acting negatively in haste if you follow these steps. This mindset means that your response will be appropriate for the situation and you if and when it occurs.
The Significance of Quiet
Practicing silence is another way to cultivate mental calmness. Only speak when you have something of consequence or something that will benefit the other person.
Examine your motivation for saying what you intend to say before you speak.
Is it to promote the other's welfare?
Or is it to demonstrate that you are right and the other person is wrong?
The need to always be right is a significant source of conflict.
In addition, when you're habitually quiet, your words carry more weight. Your audience becomes more attentive when you speak.
As you strive for greater self-awareness, try cultivating inner calm.
Follow these guidelines as a starting point. As you practice, you will reap numerous benefits.