This afternoon I was in the middle of packing up the outdoor Christmas decorations, disassembling the lighted trees and complicated reindeer (hoping that I remember next year how to re-assemble them), cramming oversized bows and wreaths into new overpriced plastic storage bins...and, I kid you not, while doing this I received a Fed-Ex delivery of MORE Christmas decor for next year (I told you that I'm determined to have my house seen from space next holiday).
Suddenly, I noticed something. It was quiet. Like really, really quiet. Even the annoying yap-crazy Chihuahuas next door weren't incessantly barking. And I stood still. It was just a moment, but I stood there in my living room and listened...to nothing. In that moment there was such peace. I was calm. So, I did it again a bit later.
The two hours prior to that moment was spent doing what I normally do. What YOU normally do. Dropped the two kids off at two different places, dropped the bills off at the postoffice, then went to Trader Joe's, the pharmacy, drove by the accountant's office to find out what I need to prepare the taxes, came home to unload groceries, throw the baby's wet sheets in the washer (WHY don't those damn overnight diapers work?!), respond to email, pack Christmas boxes...We're always asking for peace and quiet, but what do we do when we have it?
It's a bit challenging to notice the quiet when trying to get as much done as you can before your noon appointment at the beauty salon. It's challenging to stand still when the kids are out of school, and under your feet.
It's challenging to enjoy the moment. Reminds me of my daughter, when she was 2 or 3 years old, and I had her enrolled in a piano class (gotta start 'em young, right, like Tiger Woods -uhhh, guess I can't use that example for a while). The radio was turned on to a classical music station (gotta build those brain cells, right?), and my daughter simply said, "I hear the violin, mommy." She was in the moment. I was not. I was distracted and "busy." But, she brought me there.
We can learn a lot from our kids. And we can learn a lot by standing still.
Next time you're home alone, try it. Sshh.
The silence is a beautiful thing. My intent for this year is to go there on purpose.
Posted by: Sheree | Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 09:39 AM
I, too, have learned to be still and cherish those rare quite moments. I think it is so important to my sanity to get that quite time at least once a week, if possible.
Posted by: Cheryl W | Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 10:07 AM
That is something I really need to focus on. I get too caught up in what needs to be done and I forget about the little things. Like silence. Or hearing my toddler breath as he sleeps. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Allison | Wednesday, January 06, 2010 at 11:00 AM
I fall asleep when it's too quiet. :-)
Posted by: Stacy | Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 09:35 PM
What a beautiful post! We all need to stop from time to time and enjoy the peace when we find it. Thanks for reminding us.
Have a wonderful new year!
Posted by: Lorie Shewbridge | Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 07:47 AM