FINDING QUIETUDE

I have been teaching, studying, and practicing the art of relaxation for over forty years. It is an art in that we are not taught how to find a quiet space to reflect. It doesn’t come naturally to us in a world of doing more, being more, and obtaining more. It is considered lazy; we feel guilty about taking time for ourselves, especially in America. But without finding time to pause, we are just little mice running on a wheel and going nowhere fast. We miss the simple beauty of just being and taking in the moment.

This art of relaxation has to be taught, and I found this principle through yoga, qigong, meditation, and massage. These ancient arts are so popular now because we have seen the destruction of what life in fast motion can do to our whole being. As a teacher and practitioner of these ancient arts, the most challenging lesson for most of my students is teaching these principles. The physicality of yoga and qigong seems easier to grasp, but having my students sit in stillness or meditation is like putting a naughty child in a corner. It’s torture for most, maybe because, as children, we were taught that when we are misbehaving, we have to be removed and face nothingness. This can actually be very beneficial if not used as a punishment. Removing ourselves from a hectic, chaotic environment and staring into a void is enlightening if taught correctly and with care and compassion.

Our monkey minds need some loving care. We need to soften our forehead screens from all the data we take in today's modern world. Quietude, or the state of being quiet and tranquil, holds significant importance in our lives for several reasons:

• Mental Health and Well-Being: Quietude provides mental rest. In a world filled with noise, constant stimulation, and information overload, moments of calm allow our minds to decompress, reducing stress and anxiety. It promotes a sense of quiet and inner peace.
• Creativity and Reflection: Quietude fosters creativity and self-reflection. When the mind is free from distractions and external noise, it can wander, explore new ideas, and make connections that might not be apparent in a noisy environment. This is when many people have their most profound insights and moments of inspiration.
• Improved Focus and Concentration: Silence and tranquility can enhance our ability to focus and concentrate. It allows us to fully immerse ourselves in tasks, whether studying, working, or engaging in a hobby. This increased focus can lead to higher productivity and better results.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Quietude provides an optimal setting for problem-solving and decision-making. When we have time to think without interruption, we can analyze situations more effectively, weigh pros and cons, and arrive at well-thought-out solutions.
• Physical Health: Quietude has been linked to physical health benefits. It can help reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, and improve sleep quality. Chronic noise exposure, on the other hand, can lead to health issues such as stress-related disorders and sleep disturbances.
• Connection with Nature: Spending time in natural settings where quietude is prevalent, like forests or serene landscapes, can foster a deeper relationship with nature. This connection has been associated with increased feelings of happiness and overall well-being.
• Strengthening Relationships: In relationships, moments of calm can facilitate deeper communication and understanding. Taking the time to listen without distractions and share in comfortable silence can strengthen bonds and create a sense of emotional intimacy.
• Spirituality and Meditation: Many spiritual and religious practices incorporate quietude to connect with the divine or attain a higher consciousness. Meditation, in particular, relies on peacefulness to achieve mindfulness and inner peace.
• Appreciation of the Present Moment: Quietude encourages mindfulness—being fully present. By slowing down and paying attention to our surroundings and experiences, we can develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and richness of life.
• Balance in Life: Quietude serves as a counterbalance to modern life's noisy, fast-paced aspects. It reminds us to seek equilibrium between activity and stillness, providing a sense of grounding and balance.

In summary, calmness is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It allows us to recharge, think deeply, and connect with ourselves and the world. Incorporating moments of stillness into our daily lives can lead to a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling existence.

So why is it so hard, and why wouldn’t someone not want to learn this beautiful art of Quietude? I feel Qigong is a way in - to feel and experience tranquility. We have to move in ways that allow and prepare the body, mind, spirit, and energy to soften all our rough edges, to find that deep place of rest, and accept that relaxation is not a punishment but a way of life. It’s part of the doing and the non-doing. It’s receiving true love from ourselves.