Be Quiet

- Elda-Rosa Coulthrust, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS

“A wise person speaks because he or she has something to say, a fool speaks because he or she has to say something.” – Plato

In managing our busy lives - and with so much going on in the world right now, have you thought to carve out some time in your day to take a break? Maybe stroll in the park, look up and trace the various shapes of the trees, branches, leaves, flowers, watch insects buzzing to and fro, watch the clouds right above you flow like rivers of cotton, or track the setting sun as it tucks itself beyond the horizon. Taking time to observe what is going on all around us and Be Quiet?

With the ongoing momentum of digital media and electronic gadget capability, we are becoming more attached to impulsive multi-tasking and distractions and less comfortable with being alone with our thoughts. Operating in chaos is becoming normal and even an expectation! When its quiet, we get anxious - waiting for the next assignment. Even in our mind, we’re reaching for the next thought.

I would suggest that there is power in silence. But, how often do we break the silence and feel like we need to say or do something because quiet gets uncomfortable?

Ask yourself this - how often do I troll or post on social media, just because? Maybe you have the urge to post about the food you ate, your thoughts about the most current celebrity drama, the museum you went to, share how your day went or checking in to your location. A few people may judge you on what you should or should not post and either affirm you with a thumbs up or dissent with a frown - there could also be significant consequences depending on where this is happening, i.e., at work, while driving or while your significant other is talking to you.

Here is the challenge, take a moment the next time you find yourself itching to multitask during lunch and think about your breath, your heartbeat, the textures and flavors in your mouth - practice being free of external distractions and comfortable with the quiet.

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Coaching Moments

3 Strategies to Quiet the Mind

• Focus on things that bring you peace.

• Create a brief mantra that you can recite throughout the day.

• Meditate to refocus on the present.