Finding Quiet Moments In Daily Life

We’ve just returned from a quiet and restorative holiday in Puducherry, a serene coastal town in South India that was once known as Pondicherry. This getaway has been a gentle reminder for me about the immense value of finding quiet moments in daily life.

I see how important these moments are for dealing with stress and anxiety. I’ve been wondering, how can I purposefully make or steal those quiet moments during the busy day?

Finding Quiet Moments In Daily Life

I’m working on some ideas to bring more quiet moments into my daily routine.

Waking Up Early

Waking up before everyone else gives me a precious moment of silence. I love the calm mornings that set a peaceful mood for the day, free from any noise or distractions.

Tech Free Morning Routine

I’ve found that keeping early mornings tech-free helps me maintain that initial calm. Instead of diving into emails or social media, I focus on simple, mindful activities—like affirmations, scripture reading and reflection, Morning Pages, journaling and just sitting quietly with my thoughts.

Morning Pages

For some years now, I’ve been into the habit of writing Morning Pages. These are three pages of free-form writing done first thing in the morning. It helps me clear my head, think about things, and set goals for myself. Sometimes, while writing these pages, I get great ideas when I wasn’t even looking at a particular area of my life. It’s amazing how writing stuff down can make you feel so clear and calm.

I was struggling with these pages in the second half of July, so I took a break and started writing again from today – my first ‘working’ day after our holiday.

Less Time on Social Media

I’m intentionally spending less time on social media. Too much scrolling leaves me feeling drained, even though it’s a good way to stay connected. By limiting my time online, I’m able to protect my mental space and focus on more meaningful activities.

Nature Walks

There’s something incredibly soothing about being in Nature. This is something that came through loudly when I spent time on the beach or around the property we were staying on. I’m planning to make it a point to go on regular walks. The fresh air, the greenery, and the simple act of moving my body all contribute to a sense of quiet.

Listening to Birdsong / Running Water

I’m loving the simple pleasure of hearing birdsong. We’re lucky to hear birds as we feed some in our front yard. While it’s great to experience it firsthand, I’ve found online recordings that can transport me to a serene place.

There’s something universally calming about the sound of running water. Whether it’s the gentle flow of a stream or the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves, this sound helps me relax and let go of stress. Starting or ending my day with these calming sounds would really be a great idea.

It’s taken time to make these practices part of my daily routine and there are some I’m still working on. Each small step brings me closer to a life that’s less chaotic. I’ve figured out that it’s not about getting rid of stress, but about finding pockets of quiet to get through it.

Every day is filled with opportunities to take a quiet moment.

Dana Reinhardt

How do you find quiet moments in daily life?

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