Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…?
“A happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy dare live.” Bertrand Russell
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Seeking quiet places and spaces…
Where do you go for quiet time? Often, when we think of seeking quiet time, we think of places to go or activities to do that will help trigger the quiet we desire. However, the desire for quietness begins within and then flows to spaces without. So, when we begin our quest for some quiet time, the prompting has already started within our being and then we seek places and spaces to support what we already feel inside.
“I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” Albert Einstein
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? solitude in the countryside
We so have many options to explore when we seek quiet time. As Einstein suggests above, in the absence of inner quietude, we can seek solitude in the country… So a hiking trip to the countryside or a time away at a cottage or an Inn will suffice.
“All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” Blaise Pascal
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? A quiet room of her own…
Virgina Woolf spoke of the need for every writer to have a room of her own “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” A quiet room tucked away somewhere is a great way to escape for some quiet time and as away to regroup. I remember reading an interview with Maya Angelou who escapes to a motel/local hotel and locks herself away to write for many weeks… Perhaps, that is what we all need.
“Every time I have some moment on a seashore, or in the mountains, or sometimes in a quiet forest, I think this is why the environment has to be preserved.” Bill Bradley
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? mountains…
I love this recommendation from Bill Bradley… what could be more satisfying then seeking quiet time in the mountains? And if that doesn’t soothe your nerves then a trip to a quiet forest to commune with nature and reflect on your day would help… I love that idea.
“But I try to steal other moments. Sometimes I get up very early in the morning and enjoy a quiet house and cup of tea before the craziness begins. Other times, I’ll take a quick walk on the beach. You can find peace in a few minutes.” Cindy Crawford
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Surya Namaskar sculpture…
When my twins were little, I sometimes got up real early in the morning to sit and catch my breath, do some yoga Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation exercises) and have a cup of tea. It was the perfect quiet time before the day got noisy. A walk on the beach or time on a seashore sound perfect too.
“Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day – like writing a poem or saying a prayer.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? A man in quiet prayer…
Prayer can also help center and quiet our minds; especially when anxious thoughts invade it. I like the idea of arranging flowers and writing poetry as other ways to relax and be quiet. These do work because I have tried them.
“But being quiet and meditating on sound is something completely different and will be discovered very soon by a lot of people who feel that the visual world doesn’t reach their soul anymore.” Karlheinz Stockhausen
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Yoga poses can help quiet the inner noise…
Meditation, yoga, and contemplative sounds can be both quieting and healing ways to relax and go inside to find answers to our concerns. While it might seem odd to bring in sound, it is not so strange because there are soothing sounds that quiet and relax us…
“Cultivate solitude and quiet and a few sincere friends, rather than mob merriment, noise and thousands of nodding acquaintances.” William Powell
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Quiet company from time to time..
Common sense should make it seem obvious that the company we keep contributes to our sense of peace or chaos. We all know people whose company can get us riled up and then others who bring a wave of peace and steadiness with them. Paying attention to the the way we feel around others can help us balance with whom/how we spend our time.
“If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.” Henry David Thoreau
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? A beach walk at a resort… Quiet.
Sometimes a contemplative walk on the beach can do wonders for our spirit and when we are quiet, we find solutions to problem and even forgiveness for the foibles of others and ourselves.
“An inability to stay quiet is one of the conspicuous failings of mankind.” Walter Bagehot
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Solitude by Frederick Leighton…
I think if we really want to stay quiet, we would find a way to do so. Yes, we live in a noisy world with lots of screamers, sirens and oxygen killers, but we can shut the noise out and tune inside for some respite; first we have to be committed to our need for peace.
“In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn’t. Be wise and don’t let good things crowd out those that are essential.” Elder Richard G. Scott
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Find a quiet bench for contemplation..
Brilliant… our quiet times help us see the bigger picture of our lives and recognize what holds value… It sounds like we also need wisdom and vigilant eye to ensure we don’t become overwhelmed…
“Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions.” Dag Hammarskjold
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? quiet readings of the happiness project…
Through it all, we must stay true to who we are and what makes our lives meaningful. While I might enjoy a yoga class or a meditative walk on the beach, you might find your happiness, quiet bone in a great book… That is fine too. and we must honor our convictions on the search for inner peace.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Helen Keller
Inspiration: Where Do You Go For Quiet Time…? Quiet frozen river and woods…
Life is about the ups and downs and the merry-go-rounds we experience. How we handle them will determine both our character and our survival. During difficult times, it is wise counsel to find ways to sit quietly and examine the concerns. We find answers when we stop and breathe… and everyone deserves peace and quiet… sometimes. What are your thoughts? Where do you find quiet time? Do you have any special places you visit for quiet time? Do share! Thank you. 🙂
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: When you need quiet time, where do you go?
Positive Motivation Tip: Quietness begins within and then flows to spaces without… Start there.
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos surya namaskar, yoga poses, Shinto prayer, Mountain shot, Australian Countryside, Solitude, Yoga Suryathon, via Wikipedia… My first photo by itspaulkelly, Catskill frozen River by Mahima H, Beach resort by Liqueur Felix, Room of my own by ToniVC, The Happiness Project book by shattered infinity, Quiet Company by Casch52, Bench by jumpinjimmyjava – iKIVA,
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
I always have a ‘space’ of my own in my house where I go to just be. I prefer early mornings or anytime everyone else is sleeping. It’s when I do my best thinking. If I don’t have that space and time, I’d make myself and everyone crazy.
Same here and night time is my quiet time…TY for your feedback Marcia. I plan to catch up on blog comments on everyone’s blog starting tomorrow (Friday). I’ve spent all week in classes for my broker license renewal; long days…
Also, I no longer get your blog posts and when I try to resubscribe, feedburner tells me I’m already a subscriber… 🙁
“All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” Blaise Pascal – thanks for the quotation, Eliz – it has been one of my basic aphorisms too!
Glad you like the quote… Excellent one too! 🙂
Quiet time is a real necessity in this modern world. I tend to get mine down by the river ban admiring the wild life
Water is very soothing so I can imagine how calming it must be for you. TY! 🙂
I am a morning person…my husband is a night owl…this works for us as it gives me some “quiet time” early in the morning, to get things done and sometimes, to just be. Love walking along a trail in the woods, listening to the sounds of nature…bird call, crackling of leaves and twigs underfoot…sounds that soothe my soul.
You are so right, Eliz, we each have different ways to enjoy quiet and refresh ourselves…it is really important for each person to find his or her own way, because with some quiet time, life becomes too chaotic. 🙂
Glad your course is finished…just one more thing added to your already overburdened timeline.
That is beautiful… I love walks as I find they relax me too. My course isn’t quite finished. I have one more class… TY for your support. 🙂
Sorry…I meant “without” some quiet time, life becomes too chaotic. 🙂
Oh not to worry, I will update the comment when I log in. TY! 😉
I live in the country and take daily walks with the dogs, weather permitting. I do not talk to them on our walks and they don’t bark, we are all quiet. It’s amazing the wildlife we see (of course, the dogs give futile chase). Deer, turkey and once a red fox (which the dogs didn’t see–thank goodness). I can also get “lost” in books. My husband has learned that I can’t hear him when I’m reading.
Like you, I get lost in books too and I love o take walks. Lately, I have been walking every day without pets in tow… TY! 🙂
Driving in my car to work is a great quiet time. I will often drive with the radio off and listen to nothing but the whir of the traffic around me.
Cool Mariam… Hmmm, now I wonder if that is why I do love driving… It is soothing you are right and offers quiet. 🙂
I didn’t realize how much I truly need quiet time until my husband retired last month. Now I’m looking for an escape for some quiet time. Maybe Maya Angelou’s method would work for me.
b
Oh boy, 😆 I hear you lady! Maya’s way might be a net idea… Girl’s time out to regroup. 🙂
Nowadays I staying at home is just fine. But there have been times when I took refuge in the bathroom or simply sat in the car (if necesssary after driving around the corner) – and shopping trips on my own were a treat. I’d rush to get the shopping done and then sit for a while in a cafe, park or cemetery 😉 It wasn’t so much about being on my own, but about being unavailable and free from responsibility for others.
I get that Maria… We all need alone time and we take it wherever we can find it… Reading all the comments I realize that I do try different ones and sometimes I don’t even realize that I am doing it… it happens spontaneously. TY! 🙂
Why can I only “like” this post?! I LOVE it!!! This is absolutely one of my favorites that you have done. Just reading it gave me the sense of quiet of which you speak. I am always trying to find that quiet in the early morning before my son awakes or I go a little crazy. We all need that time to reflect, to think deeply, to understand ourselves and to find creativity. Thanks, Elizabeth!
TY Karen… We so need it and I’m glad you enjoyed the post… I can imagine how much you need since the trial and all. Do take some time out. It is well earned. TY! 🙂
When I need Quiet Time, I go within. _/!\_
Yes, yes, yes… true. Going within, be it through meditation, prayer or any other way is key to finding quiet time. TY! 🙂
Quiet time for me varies depending on the day or the mood… From long walks & runs (often times including prayer) to writing to crafting to sitting on my deck in the dead middle of winter all bundled up with hot tea… Sometimes the perfect “quiet” time for me is turning on some of my all time favorite tunes, with candles burning and just laying on the bed or couch, allowing me to just get lost in music or alone with my thoughts.
GREAT post Eliz! Hope you are doing well my friend… once again, sorry for having been a stranger; I’ve missed you. Life is proving to be a bit trying these days, but getting by the best I can. 🙂
Hang in there Megan, it will get better… With time, we find ways to adjust to the changes and find things that cheer us up… I like your quiet time suggestions. TY! 🙂
Morning walks along the river alternating (every other day) with morning walks through a forest where there is a park bench looking across an expanse of forest where I sit for 30 minutes (typically) and enjoy the sun rays filter through the tree canopy above (and, if I’m lucky, an occasional a deer family browsing within sight). Yes, this is the “stuff of healing emotion” that gets me through the rest of the day. Great post! Thanks.
TY and yes, I can imagine you taking those morning walks and more.. You have had quite the journey and I always find each post even more fascinating than the last one. TY! 🙂
At school even when the door’s closed, someone pops in for a chat. Above the door, unbeknownst to most, is a sign I made that reads, “Peace and serenity be with me.” When I’m feeling stressed, I look at that sign, close my eyes, and repeat it over and over. I do practice forest bathing (http://wp.me/p12Axq-Dx) often since last year. BTW–some good photos here.
TY Terri! I will read the forest bathing post as I’m curious to find out what it is… I like your sign … TY! 🙂
In silence, we can hear the whispers of our soul, the longings of our heart and . Thank you for another inspiring post. For me, my quiet place is my room, my car , a walk at the beach, if all fails, I close my eyes and pretend to block everything until I can only hear the beating of my heart…then I find peace no matter where I am. Stay blessed my friend.
All great choices for quiet time… I have found even new way to seek quiet for yours and other comments. The human spirit is so resilient that we find ways to stay steady… amazing. TY! 🙂
Quiet time! That is something I think I am missing so much of lately.
The beach – that is where I go. I love the smell and the sounds of the waves.
Slthough mountains can be good too. A quiet garden, with birds. I love the sounds of birds (provided it is not the one that wakes me early every morning in the build up to daylight saving).
I hope you have a minute to unwind… I have read lots of great suggestions so far, all very wonderful ways to find quiet… The beach is great and those birds… If they sing yes.TY! 😆
I like your ideas and you know, as some have suggested, even a few hours alone on the porch to relax and think would suffice. TY Robyn! 🙂
I love this post. This is my first week of break (between quarters) and I have been having troubles today just quieting my mind. I’m catching up on blogs, and it seems that this one has come to me at just the right time. My quiet time is usually first thing in the morning, cup of coffee in hand, gazing out my window at the beauty of nature. I also enjoy quiet walks, and when I can’t get out, soothing mindfulness CDs or gentle music. Always there is prayer and the Psalms. This post reminds me to calm down and seek the quiet spaces that I know are there. Thank you.
TY Cecelia and I do hope you find a few moments to unwind… Remember you have been through a lot of changes; especially the great move… This would be a perfect time to seek the quiet time you need…. I hear you! TY 🙂
After reading this post, I think I need a country home…without a telephone!