Chasing Quietude

For some, sitting in quietness can be a little nerve-wracking. Especially when life can feel a little hectic it’s easy to disassociate and block out your thoughts. My coping mechanisms involve driving around in the car while blasting my music as loud as possible or watching endless amounts of silly comedies. I tend to welcome any kind of distraction when my brain is a little too much to handle. I acknowledge that this isn’t the healthiest of habits and while I will not stop occasionally losing myself to a karaoke session or to a good TV show… I have tried to make more of an effort to also do things that will allow me to sit in my thoughts. I call this Chasing Quietude.

Little by little I have discovered that having some level of aloneness and “adventuring” has a lot to do with my well being. Things that seemed impossible for me, like going to the movies by myself or reading a book in a café, are now necessary to calm my chaotic thoughts. I enjoy walking and discovering new places or just sitting outside and listening to the world moving around me.

Chasing Quietude allows me to maintain a good mental balance while also feeding my need for experiencing new things. It’s neither grand nor luxurious, but it is something that reminds me to sit in the quiet parts of my mind and to enjoy just existing.

I'm weary with my former toil -
Here I will sit and rest awhile,
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the Appletree.
- Jesus Christ, the Appletree | Elizabeth Poston

This beautiful picture was taken by Meg Blue