Just Be

by guest author Melissa Ricks,

On our daily pursuit to try and cope with LIFE, we look to all sorts of aids to help us make it through.   Recently, on one of my daily routine adventures, I was rushing my kids to get in the car so we wouldn’t be late for school and work. This is nothing new, because it seems no matter how early I get up there is always something that derails our haste to “Get in the car” by 8:00 a.m. Well, as I am rushing my kids, my 9 year old turns to me and says: “Mom, we are always rushing.” And like a ton of bricks it hit me! Why are we always rushing? Why can’t we just be still sometimes? Is it that hard to just be?

When we were little we couldn’t wait to be 16 so we could drive. When we were 16 we couldn’t wait until we were 18 so we could get out of our parent(s) house. Boy, what in the world were we thinking??? When we were 18 we couldn’t wait to be 21 so we could legally drink. Now in adulthood we can’t wait until Friday so the work week can end.

I spend my whole day rushing so I can get to the next activity on my “list.” Even when I try to “Just Be” I find it hard to just let my mind wonder. In the words of Eckhart Tolle (spiritual teacher), we should practice just listening to our heartbeat for a few minutes each day. He says that it will help us become better at “just being.”

So this is the challenge for this week. Sit silently with yourself for a few minutes each day. Stick a posted note on your mirror that says: STOP and SMILE. Enjoy a laugh with a friend. Watch a child play or better yet join a child in play. One day this week, do away with the routine, just for one day. Try skipping down the hall…so what if people think you are a little…off! Turn up your favorite song on the radio and JAM! Watch a TV show you haven’t seen in a while. Take a bubble bath. Go for a walk if you can stand the cold. Have a snow ball fight!! Do whatever it is that will help you pause and enjoy life!

This week, I challenge you to take a moment and Just Be, and then stop by SISTA Space blog and tell us what you did!

[image credit: My Solitude Painting by Padmakar Kappagantula]

In The Silence of Words

Have you ever found yourself lost in translation of some nit wit’s joke, statement, or comment that clearly left you scratching your head? Happens most often in awkward situations like on an elevator, subway, standing in lines, and none other than the workplace.  I’m not saying to be rude, but why not just a polite “hello” to acknowledge the other person, and a “have a good day” upon your departure.

It’s this sort of nervous energy that is emitted in the air that makes one think they must engage in senseless conversation.  Afraid of the newness or oddity of being still or silent. What’s so wrong with taking in the moment for what it’s worth as an observer instead of a reporter all the time. To just be and delight in your own surroundings.  It will give you a heightened sense of awareness of who you are and your intrinsic purpose with nature. 

Instead of the unnecessary banter, why not challenge yourself to arouse your other innate senses of smell, taste, touch, sight or hearing. While you may not be able to explore these possibilities with a complete stranger; there are some ways to have fun with your senses in your personal life.   Here are a few ideas:  rediscover your likes and dislikes by tasting foods from a different culture, rejuvenate lost feelings or emotions with your partner by sharing a passionate kiss, and rejoice in your inner peace and solitude by taking a relaxing aromatic bubble bath, and don’t forget those candles! 

Tune out the audible disturbances and get in touch with the beat of your own drum.

What are some other benefits of going into the ‘silent zone’ that you can think of?