Silence is the one word prompt for Day 5 of #5MFW #write31days. It is good to include periods of silence every day if at all possible. We think we don’t have time, but the benefits are worth it.
Our lives are filled with noise from a variety of things like televisions, computers, phones, appliances, dogs barking, lawn mowers, children playing. There is the dryer buzzing, the doorbell ringing, cars going down the road.
Silence is hard to find. Everywhere we go there is some kind of noise whether it be loud or soft. We think we need to be doing something all the time. We leave no room to sit still, to think about our lives, to meditate or pray.
I’ve been neglecting times of silence during my day. One thing I have learned is that taking some time for quiet helps to relieve stress. When I go from one thing to the next I am more stressed. My neck gets tight and I feel tense.
When I pause for a break even for short time, it takes some of the tension away.
I love to go outdoors and sit on my porch. We are in a rural area on a hill near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As evening draws near there is usually a breeze. I hear birds and insects and I watch the ever changing sky.
There is much beauty, but if I never take the time to stop for awhile, I will miss it.
Exercise Report:
On Day 5 of exercise I took a walk down the hill and around the property. We checked out a fallen tree enjoyed some remaining wildflowers.
Walking up the hill gave me quite a workout. It’s pretty steep!
Here’s the view looking down from halfway up.
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Yes, I am finding that moments of silence are so important also. You have a beautiful view from your hill there! Your photos are a blessing to me, as I cannot walk the way I used to be able to. So I enjoy the walks that others share so much! Even going outside on the deck like you mentioned can be such an uplifter to our hearts! –Blessings to you!
Bettie, thanks for being a faithful encourager on this #write31days series! I do appreciate your being here. 🙂
I’m so glad the photos are a blessing to you! Yes, even just stepping outside can help a lot. The fresh air and change of scenery seem to help.
Many blessings to you!
Enjoying the journey.
Thanks, Susan! You are always so faithful to encourage. 🙂
Blessings to you!
Yes! This past summer silence was the biggest thing I was craving- just time to sit and be still and silent with the Lord is so life giving. If we can’t take the time to be still and listen, how will we know His voice? And that’s the most important thing isn’t it? ♥ So honored to ‘meet’ you Gayl and thanks for sharing your lovely pictures! We live in VA a few hours east of the Blue Ridge but mountains have always been close to my heart.
Thanks for visiting, Heather, and for your encouragement! Yes, I can get so busy that I don’t have silence and how can I hear his voice when I don’t stop long enough? But the first step is seeing the need and I know how I need it.
My goal is to be able to stop several times a day and pray, even if it’s for a short time. God is so forgiving and patient and I am thankful for that.
I love the mountains, too. The air is so fresh and clear and the views are gorgeous. We are only in the foothills, but we love to go to Gatlinburg in the Smokies especially to enjoy the view. 🙂
So great to “meet” you, too! Many blessings to you, Heather!
So true, Gayl. These words convicted me: ” taking some time for quiet helps to relieve stress” because neither rest or silence have been so easy to achieve while I’ve been busier with writing and sorting out technical problems on the blog. Tomorrow I must schedule in some time to rest, relax, breathe and simply be! Thanks for this timely reminder. xo
I know what you mean, Joy. We get so busy trying to fix problems, etc. that we think we can’t take time for a break. But that’s when we need it the most. Sometimes when I’m struggling with a blog post and work so long, I find I have to make myself take a break. But I’m always glad when I do, because when I come back, my mind is refreshed and I can usually finish up.
Thanks for being so faithful here, Joy! Great to have you on this journey, dear sister! Blessings to you!
My 8 year old is playing the piano while I read this. 🙂 I need to find some silence!
I hear you, Sarah! 🙂 Sometimes it is very difficult to find some silence, unless the kids are all sleeping. Praying you’ll find some silence this weekend!
Blessings to you!