I am trapped at home today. My car is in the shop having some work done on the brakes before I road trip to J-ville for the weekend. Not having mobility right at my fingertips is an interesting experience. I'd like to think that there's enough around the house to keep me busy, but it's 11 am and I have done all the necessary chores around the house. I've even finished a sewing project that is a birthday present for my mom. Now what?
My garden is weeded. My bed is made. The sink is empty. "Stuff" is put away. I just vacuumed recently. I have even dusted. Idle time is precious, I know, yet stillness makes me feel itchy. So does silence.
Why do I react to stillness in such a way? I desperately want this disciplined habit in my life, but it FREAKS ME OUT. I suppose it is a byproduct of our busy society and rushed culture. I guess my daily habits and routine don't allow for quiet down time. I do watch tv and I do love reading. But even those are activities.
Intentional stillness, chosen quiet- these are not present in my life as often as they should be. I love Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline." In it he reflects on the necessity for quiet solitude. Whenever I read this particular chapter, my insides turn upside down. I seriously have a tangible reaction against this topic. My mind wanders. I look for ways to redirect my thoughts. Yet, even this isn't compelling enough for me to change my ways.
Are there any suggestions out there? What do you do to be still? How do you rest in silence? Inquiring minds want to know!
Sailboat in Ireland- A Still Moment From the Shore
Beth,
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I rest in silence I'm sitting on the back porch or any porch, just looking out at God's creation... usually I'm drinking a nice glass of wine or something.. and I just sit and enjoy the silence. Usually I'm having conversations with God during this time.. so it might still be considered an "activity".. but it does help me to refocus and come down from a hectic day..
Sometimes I drive in silence also.. no music, nothing (course having a child would and could change this) but it's amazing how I can drive the 4.5 hr to NC from GA in silence.. just enjoying the quiet and talking to God.
I got nothin.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, look at me. Baby's napping and rather than enjoy the silence (like depeche mode says) I am reading and commenting on blogs. Sorry, wish I could help but I am still learning this lesson. Good to know I'm not alone and to be asked to think about it, though.
I like your new background. You should have listed that: bed is made, sink is empty, blog background has been changed...
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your comments about stillness and resting in silence. Sometimes when I'm sitting in our den, the front door is open and I can see across the street, through the palm trees to the pond. When the sunlight glistens off the water, it looks like diamonds and I am in my own little "sanctuary" at home. We turn the TV and radio off, Mark rests, and I pray, read scripture or look at the beautiful scene across the street. On my walks in the morning, I pray and always am on the lookout for beautiful birds, flowers, clouds, sunrises. Our creator God is amazing and His handiwork beyond comprehension.
Cindy got a book for Mark several years ago,
In Praise of Slowness, How a Worldwide Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed. It might offer some helpful ideas and we'll be glad to loan the book if you want.
Soak in the stillness.
Love, Sharon
wow. we are so opposite. i don't even know what that feels like- to have everything done- everything in order. i guess i spend too much time ignoring all that other stuff & enjoying my idleness.
ReplyDeleteand then i get mad at myself for not being productive enough. wanna exchange brains for a day to see what that's like?!