How often do you let yourself be still?
We live in the busiest time this world has ever seen!
At times it can feel overwhelming to have so many things vying for our attention every second of every day.
“Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
One way to find balance in our lives is to make more time to be still.
For me, being still means turning off all distractions.
Pushing the pause button.
Being present enough to be able to hear myself breathe in and out.
Paying attention.
I find that when the voices of the world get too loud, I need to turn down the volume and tune in to the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:12).
Here are 3 simple ways we can be more still:
1. Spend more time in places that invite you to turn your phone off and be present
How often do we turn our phones all the way off?
Next time you’re in a holy, beautiful place that deserves your full attention, like a church building, a temple, a neighbor’s home, a forest, or a beach, go ahead and turn off your phone for a couple of hours.
You’ll be surprised how little you’ll think about texting, taking pictures or getting on social media when you don’t even have the option to distract yourself with it.
2. Meditate
Implementing a regular meditation practice has literally transformed my life!
It gives me a few, sacred minutes a day where I don’t have to do anything at all.
Allow yourself to meditate for a few minutes a day and empty your mind of clutter, focusing your attention on your breath.
I love using the guided or open meditations in the Calm app, and my sisters have also recommended the Headspace app
3. Ponder
Most of us have a very low tolerance for boredom.
But moments of boredom are often where the best ideas come to us through inspiration!
I find that it’s especially important for my mental and emotional health to have thinking time.
Quiet time alone with my thoughts.
Pondering helps me process the hard things, as well as see the many blessings that I have.
And it’s most often in those quiet moments that I can feel quiet the voice of the holy spirit speak to me most clearly.
Take time to be still, my friend!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to read part I of my finding balance series!