This past weekend, I spent some time at a friend’s cabin near Estes Park. It is a peaceful setting in a beautiful valley, surrounded by Ponderosa and Blue Spruce. It was a weekend that could have easily been booked with activities, but I found myself alone and enjoying nature and the quiet.

As my mind raced to list the things I “could” be doing – writing this letter, visiting a friend, answering e-mail, I finally settled upon just sitting and enjoying the precious quiet.

I realized how long it had been since I had just stopped and paid attention to my inner world, my inner voice.  Here are my best excuses for not taking the time to be quiet – you may recognize one or two:

• I’m too busy to take the time
• I get bored, I need to do something more “productive”
• What’s the point – where’s the value
• It seems like just a waste of time

In spite of all the reasons not to, when I do take the time I have found so many benefits to the quiet that allows listening to my heart’s wisdom:

• Being quiet slows down your racing energy from the tasks of the day
• Being quiet actually helps you solve the problems that are taking up so much energy
• Time to be quiet slows down reactivity – helps you be more measured when there are crisis situations
• Taking time to be still gets your body’s rhythm back in sync…you’ll feel more calm and centered
• Being quiet allows access to your creative voice – good for business and personal life
• Being quiet helps you focus on what you want, not what you don’t want
• Allowing quiet time gives you emotional relief from the daily static and stress of your life.

This habit of taking time to be quiet should be as automatic and as important as sleeping or brushing your teeth – so why don’t we do it daily? 

It’s our choice…choose to put aside time to be still and to listen to and respect your inner wisdom and watch your life improve.  I love the thought that I can choose to take time to be quiet every day!