As the patio door opens, the rain-soaked cedar welcomes me with its sweet, musky fragrance. It’s natural as air to inhale deeply with such a morning greeting. I take no more than two or three steps each day during this ritual. I think of nothing, yet open my physical being to nature’s senses that invigorate me: the moist West Coast air gently embracing my face; songbirds announcing their morning arrival; aromas of the salty Salish Sea and wet cedar are constant companions; the cool February and March mornings tickle me awake.
That is my quiet morning awakening. I walk from the bedroom each morning, down the hall, straight to those patio doors. It’s time free of any media, any noise, any disruption, and the ritual awakens me to what really matters. After those minutes of quietude, I make my coffee.
In a recent newsletter from Mark Sisson (Sunday with Sisson), he writes about small challenges to take us just slightly out of our comfort zone. It’s interesting that one of the simple challenges he suggests, is something that once was a common everyday occurrence that we all did as a matter of course. But now, it’s something that takes us out of our comfort zone. What was that small challenge?
Quiet time is space our minds need to recharge also helping us to discover what matters most in our life. The spaces of time without the noise of e-mails, social media, and the like are also important for creativity. And creativity isn’t just for the arts. Creativity is necessary for us to decipher problems or solutions to problems (in life, work, or other relationships). Research shows that mental rest and reflection can boost learning and memory. Our brains need a rest from all the jabber. Our minds deserve to sit restfully in silence. Even machines need down-time for maintenance, repairs, and to keep them working to their potential.
“We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly – spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.” – Susan L. Taylor
Sitting by Phyllis Webb
Wishing you all a week in which every day you gather those rejuvenating moments of quietude.
As soon as it gets warm enough I return to my early morning routine of sitting on the back step. My view travels from the veggie garden, across the meadow to majestic cedars. The sun rises over the trees as I cradle my tea. Often a dog comes to sit beside me, as quiet and still as I am. Reflecting on your words I realize how much I miss this quietude during the winter, when I confess I peruse the internet with my morning tea. It will take some discipline but your words have motivated me to design a new morning routine which I know will be good for me.
beautiful images with equally beautiful thoughts. i have to have my quiet time in the mornings as well. my grandmother used to say, “i have to get up and rest for a while before i get ready and go to work”. i always thought it was silly, but now i realize what she was attempting to express.