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Embracing Silence : The Art of Walking
We live in a world that is saturated with noise. Constant noise and motion. Even when we try to escape to a quiet place, it's common to have ear buds in while we listen to a podcast, or an audio book or a Spotify playlist. I'm not saying those are bad things - I have my favorites podcasts and I love a good playlist while I complete the mundane tasks of life.
But I've been challenged lately to consider the practice of silence. To be alone with my thoughts. To slow my roll and just "be". It's harder than you might think! I dare you to try it. Instead of flipping the radio on when you get in the car, just sit in the quiet. It has taken some intentional effort, honestly. But, I'm finding that in these spaces of silence, my mind and heart are refreshed.
One of the spaces I live this out is by taking regular walks alone. Without my earbuds. I walk slowly, mindfully. I listen to the world around me instead of letting a podcast or playlist turn my thoughts elsewhere. In her book, The Next Right Thing, Emily P. Freeman says it this way: "Let the rhythm of your feet on the pavement or grass or gravel pound out a melody of peace. Let the neighborhood noises preach the sermon for once. Listen for what you can hear: a distant car, a singing bird, a barking dog, an airplane overhead. Give yourself of being with what is, all the ordinary sounds of this, your everyday space." It's in this place
that I find time to pay attention - to what is around me and to what is within me.
What about you? Where can you make space for silence? Can you embrace a morning walk or sit alone on your front porch in the stillness of the evening for 10 minutes? What do you find there? How does it feed your soul and refuel you?
Shannon S. McKee is communicator at heart. She is a writer, editor, and speaker. She writes at www.shannonsmckee.com. She coordinates the Women's Ministry at Redemption Chapel in Stow, Ohio, where she is a regular teacher and mentor. She is passionate about helping women thrive from the inside out. Her other titles include: Grace-dweller. Lover of Rick. Momma to 2. Tea Drinker. Entrepreneur. Putterer. Consumer of Dark Chocolate.
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