Have you noticed in today's world, that finding silence is quite a challenge? We live in an age where a variety of technological gadgets are plentiful. New inventions are constantly being touted and we suddenly find that we can't live without the Plutonium Bangheadagainstthewallous, or the FracturousEardrummonumentalstereophonic. Etc. ;)
I know I'm seldom without my cell phone. People can reach me wherever I chance to be. Surround-sound TV sets with HD technology bring I-Max sight and sound into our living and family rooms. Computers now fit in the palm of our hands. We twitter, lose face on book, send text messages and blog, not to mention e-mail.
My question is, when do we take time to ponder life's mysteries? With all of this noise taking place and following us wherever we chance to roam, when and where do we draw the line on behalf of serene calm?
Maybe I'm different than most (and I've been told that my entire life . . . I'm not sure it was ever a compliment now that I think about it, but I digress) but I crave silence. I like time alone to think and ponder. I do my best writing when the house is silent, which explains my early morning writing sessions. That time of day, most people are still asleep. I'll wake up around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. and have the best ideas ever for a new scene for whatever book I'm working on. I've learned that if I ignore the ideas when they surface, rolling over in bed to pull the pillow over my face, that inspiration fades by light of day.
I suppose this craving for peace and quiet is why I love going to the temple. What an opportunity for spiritual solitude. If people speak at all, it's done in whispers, encouraging a reverent oasis. Cell phones are to be shut off and preferably left in the car. I always leave that sacred place feeling edified.
At home, when I'm the only one there, I very rarely turn on any kind of techno-gadget, with the exception of the computer. And that is when I get the most work done, whether it's with regard to a manuscript, a blog post, polishing recently taken photos for a future DVD, or to prepare a lesson for YW---the realm where I'm currently serving.
There are also times when I crave what I call a "water moment." I grew up around impressive bodies of water, and this may be why when I start feeling bogged down by life, I'll climb inside my car and go for a little jaunt. In the area where I live, I don't have to travel too far to find a quiet place of beauty near a lake, a waterfall, or a small creek where I can sit and contemplate all that is troubling me. I always come away feeling refreshed.
I suspect finding quiet times is important in today's noisy world. We are constantly bombarded by music, ring-tones, twittering, etc. I think there is a portion of ourselves that is screaming out for silence. So today, I challenge all of you to find moments of peace. Your inner self will thank you someday. ;)
