Lesson to Self #11: Seek quiet

 

There it was. A boulder among boulders tucked into the steep ridge line. 

Directly trail-side, it wooed the passerby to sink into its bowl-shaped curvature and lean against the naturally molded backrest. Once seated, the struggle of tackling the terrain was carried away on the wings of the gentle breeze. With trekking poles set to the side, the world became quiet. Not devoid of sound, given the rustle of scurrying squirrels through leaves and cacophony of birdsong. But the solitude I felt was calming. Across the valley, verdant mountains covered in green rose against the blue sky, wispy clouds playing on currents of air. I doubted the presence of another human within miles and miles. I took it all in before continuing my journey, refreshed, renewed, and restored.

The world is a noisy place—literally and figuratively. Sounds of traffic and sirens. Music blaring through speakers. Social media touting messages often intended to raise the ire of the reader. But life is noisy in other ways: long “have to do” lists, busyness, rushing from one thing to the next. The constant noise can deflate the soul, ushering in feelings of despair, loneliness, and perpetual motion.

But the wise intentionally seek respite. As the Psalmist proclaims, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6). And again he writes, “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:2).

Oh, that we come to understand that quiet REST is a critical element of RESToration of mind, body, and soul.

 What can we do today to seek quiet and rest, even if for a few precious minutes?

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See prior posts for Lessons 1-10.

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