How to Take Time to Contemplate

Many civilizations throughout history have placed a high value on simply sitting still and being silent yet we, as modern-day Americans, seem to live lives of non-stop action.

Whether we're driving kids to meet friends at the mall, speeding to soccer games, or working late at the office, our lives are frenzied and scattered.
When hustle and bustle takes over and becomes predominant, we can lose sight of our relationships, our priorities can get disordered and we end up feeling simply tuckered out.

So, how do we combat the muck and mire of the fast-paced life?

Thomas Moore, author of such acclaimed books as "Care of the Soul," "Soul Mates" and "The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life," recently inspired me to take more time to sit in silence and contemplate my life. Moore, who recently spoke at The University of Florida, urged attendees to seek out silence everyday to feed the soul.

Moore's advice couldn't have come at a more appropriate time in my life. As I walked into the building where he was to speak, I received a call from my sister telling me the results of our mother's January liver biopsy had come back and she did indeed have cancer.

I felt alone, devastated and sick to my stomach. Fortunately, for me, I met three dear friends at the lecture who saw the obvious look of devastation on my face. They immediately came over and asked what was wrong. When I told them, I got hugs, support and words of encouragement and love. At that moment, I knew I was where I needed to be.

Now, the challenge I'd face for the next hour was sitting still and listening to Moore without crying or worrying about my Mom.

A few weeks ago, I took some time off and visited my Mom at her farm in Georgia. After spending the day visiting, talking and helping around the house, Mom turned in early for the night.

I didn't know it until I did it, but the quietness of the rural night was beckoning me. So I decided to walk around in her backyard under the night sky. As I walked around with her dog following me, I looked up and just took in this amazing vista of the clear night sky riddled with stars.
I was doing it! I was feeding my soul with silence.

How are you feeding your soul?