30 Minutes Of Stillness
Yesterday was one of those amazing days, peppered with pockets of stillness and peace. They don’t happen too often, but when they do I devour them like my favorite piece of chocolate, slowly while appreciating every morsel until next time.
Late Wednesday evening, into the early hours of Thursday morning, it rained. It was heavy at times and the intermittent wind gust only made it that much more intense. I find poetry in this type of weather, bringing with it a mood that is calming to my spirit, which supports my relaxation while providing a blissful night of sleep (yes, it really was that good).
It was nice to wake up to sunshine. I’m typically up early to hike, run or walk (at times I do all three), but this particular morning I wasn’t feeling all that well and thought I might forgo exercising. However, after a cup of ginger tea and a quick review of the news I decided to transcend my achiness and head outdoors.
I walked the Wyman Park trail along a stony brook, ultimately sitting to relax and meditate. It was a serene morning. Typically people are out walking their dogs… There is always some form of noise pollution either from cars, planes and even dogs, etc… and at the same time each day there is this flock of ducks racing across the sky quacking in unison, which I now know end up at Druid Hill Park, because that’s my destination too, where I run around the reservoir.
No, this particular Thursday morning was different. I made sure I put enough distance between the stream and me so I could be bathed in quiet. For 30 minutes I sat there with a clear mind (well, as clear as I can get because I’m always thinking). It’s important to create a cocoon of tranquility. It’s hard to line it all up so that everything is that absolute and motionless, so I just play the odds, and when I notice these elements coming into focus, which I’m intuitive enough to see, I submit to what’s before me, thus providing the stillness my body craves, my heart desires and my mind needs. At that right moment, this becomes my priority. I always wish I could give myself more, but time doesn’t always allow.
As the morning progressed, my overall disposition improved, restoring me back to my everyday self, which prompted a five-mile run. I embraced the sounds around me – seagulls squawking, people talking (and not always politely), and the harsh noises of trucks, drills and contractors working on roads and buildings. None of these disturbances mattered to me and I contribute this to those 30 minutes of stillness.
As the day progressed I found another opportunity to absorb stillness. After my run I decided to hike more of the Jones Falls Trail. There’s a point when the path narrows, creating a feeling of isolation. It can be frightening or naturally breathtaking depending on the season. In the spring and summer when the trees are full and shield the sun’s light it’s spooky and at times spine-chilling, especially on a cloudy day. In the fall and winter when the trees are bare, sunlight floods the area and it looks magical – like a dream. The trees appear to go outward and upward forever, and the different shapes and blemishes on the bark just add to my interest and curiosity.
It’s in this particular area where quiet is constant. I took another 30 minutes to absorb all that was around me, appreciating the opportunity and giving thanks for where I was at that very moment. There was no one else, but nature and me, and that, my friends, is peace times ten.
It baffles my mind that I live in the city where I can find such a beautiful place to reflect on life’s promise. I’ve said this more than once in other posts and it’s worth repeating here – this is my religion, and boy would I love to get others to join my faith. In nature you won’t find any lies. I’ve always liked the Frank Lloyd Wright quote, “I believe in God, only I spell it NATURE.” (I believe it to be amazing that we have so many religions, and they all show just how powerful the human mind is. However, more often than not, many conduct the beauty of faith like a business or government, and this is wrong. We must be all inclusive, but I digress because this post is not about religion, but standing still long enough to reboot your life from time to time in order to appreciate the total you, because we all need to believe in the value of each other, aiding all in living the best life possible.)
It’s a new year, and I hope we can all take it upon ourselves to find 30 minutes each week for stillness. Some might see this as being passive or lazy, but I do believe this simple exercise can change the world. We can all benefit from a small oasis of quiet. I’ve learned when I’m still, others are too, producing silence and understanding. We set the mood for those who work and otherwise interact with us. - paerki
Related Posts: All Paths, A Walk With God
