The quiet moments are when we can be present to ourselves, by abstaining from what we normally do.
The birds fly most of the time. They take flightless times for themselves.
We work except when we sleep. I find that quiet moments when we are alert and still be a way of becoming present to ourselves. That is one way to become friendly to ourselves!
It is when we know, hear inwardly and feel in those alone times, we can sense the wonder of the gift of life that we have been blessed with and all the experiences which form us to be who we are now!
I like the last picture of a Lorikeet looking alert and ready for the next move after its quiet moments spent with its pair, as shown in the earlier six photos.
Those quiet moments revive our sense of being and wellness!
During the working hours, create time to have quiet moments. That cam make work lighter and increase the sense of wellness and awareness!
How can this be done!
I listened to a story of physical violence in the family and the effects of this on their child. It was sad and disturbing. A the end of forty minutes, I was getting ready to welcome the next family. I needed a few minutes for quietness before the next family came in.
I started the transition time by taking a few deep breaths, which helped to improve the awareness of the body and facilitated more oxygenation. Following this, turning inward helps in recollecting the thoughts and feelings lingering in the mind. This is followed by paying attention to them and categorising them in to two groups: those that one can let go and others which need attention to process alter at a time we choose. Having given attention to the floating thoughts and feelings, usually there is a relative quietness to turn the next minute or so to deepen the consciousness of who I am and who's am I. That is an exercise to feel centred in the deeper level of consciousness and have a sense of belonging to God who is present with us. It is from this renewed consciousness, one can gently break the silence to return to the next activity.
At the end of conversation with the family, their state of needs and difficulties dominated my mind. At the end of time of quiet time, I returned to be present to the next family with openness and readiness to hear and attend to their needs. This form of 'readying the mind' from a clutter, makes us to be better listeners and to work light heartedly.
Few such in between times during the day bring refreshment and heightened attentiveness. We learn to work with a sense of presence and nearness and yet would not feel exhausted at the end of the day. Instead, work provides energy and sustains interest for more.
The quiet times are in between times for personal debriefing and inner renewal experience.
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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