The Sacred Sound of Silence
I’ve learned that silence is golden. I’m not saying that to sound cliché — it’s truly, deeply golden. The world demands movement, noise, and attention. For me, silence has become a sacred and precious space. It’s in the quiet moments that I reflect and really feel my emotions fully. I’m allowed to simply exist — without judgment, without fixing, and without rushing to move past them.
When the Mind Won’t Slow Down
I have scattered thoughts that run miles a minute. My brain doesn’t like to stay still for too long, so I seize any opportunity to stop it from spinning. I crave those moments of calm. I long for peace that soothes both a loud world and a loud mind. Because truthfully, it gets exhausting trying to keep up with everyone and everything.
Choosing Isolation as a Reset, Not an Escape
For me, isolation isn’t loneliness. It’s how I reset. I’m not avoiding life; I’m slowing down and listening inward. I enjoy retreating into silence. It’s a profound experience, being able to sit and be still. It doesn’t happen often, but as a form of self-care, I try to implement it as much as possible. It helps me recenter and stabilize my mind. In those moments, I allow myself to simply be.
Ways to Embrace Stillness
Stillness isn’t always easy — especially when your mind is loud, or the world around you won’t quiet down. But like any self-care practice, it starts small and builds over time. Here are a few gentle ways to invite more silence and stillness into your life:
Recognize what is loud:
Becoming aware of environmental noise, like constant notifications, background TV, or even loud conversations, can help you intentionally carve out more peaceful space. “Tune in to what is going on around you so that you can become aware of ways to reduce unnecessary sounds that may be causing stress.” —(North Star)
Become friends with your thoughts and feelings:
It can be uncomfortable at first, but this awareness is often where healing begins. “One of the reasons we steer clear of quiet is that it means we may become aware of our thoughts and what is happening inside of us in those quiet moments.” —(North Star)
Focus on one thing at a time:
This practice brings your attention to the present, reducing mental stress and increasing calm. “Choose one thing at a time and be intentional to focus on one task. Choose quiet music while you work on it to help you focus or find a silent space.” —(North Star)
Practice meditation:
Starting with even a few minutes a day can help you feel more centered and connected. “You can use guided meditations with apps such as Headspace to help you get started, as it can feel difficult to try this out on your own right away. You may feel silly, but know that this is important for your well-being and it is worth it.” —(North Star)
The Healing Power of Gentle Activities
Taking time to do the things you enjoy is a necessary form of self-care. For me, it’s coloring, journaling, cooking — any activity that gently distracts my mind from the mental noise. Time seems to pass faster when you’re in the process of healing.
Redefining Productivity and Worth
I don’t need to be productive all the time to feel valuable. I deserve to treat myself, and for me, that means doing things that are stimulating yet relaxing. Sitting in silence is comfortable. I don’t need to be loud to be heard. Sometimes, the most powerful thing I can do is pause — and just let myself feel it all.
Learning to Sit With My Emotions
For a long time, I suppressed my feelings. I preferred numbness over confronting stressful, persistent, or intrusive thoughts. My mind meanders all over the place, and sometimes it’s difficult and exhausting to keep up with. But I’m learning to take each emotion as it comes. I’m trying to sit in the stillness — to let myself heal emotionally and physically.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is pause — and simply let myself feel it all.”
Nicole Greco
*Sources: North Star Counseling Center– The Self Care of Silence: Tips for finding quiet moments in ...
#MentalHealth #Mindfulness #selfcare
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