Mindful & Somatic Monday: Making Friends with Silence Within

How often do we truly get to be with silence? In our busy, noisy lives, silence can feel like an old friend we haven't seen in a while—or maybe a stranger we're a little wary of. This week, let's explore how to make friends with both the outer quiet and the deep, rich silence that resides within our bodies.

Find a quiet room or a peaceful spot and sit comfortably. Allow your posture to be stable, but not rigid, with your spine comfortably tall. Gently close your eyes, or soften your gaze.

Bring your awareness to the present moment by noticing your breath. Don't try to change it, just feel the air moving in and out of your body. Listen to the absence of sound around you. As you settle in, notice what sensations arise in your body. Perhaps you feel the gentle rise and fall of your chest or the weight of your body in the chair. These subtle body sensations are the first whisper of inner stillness.

When you make friends with the silence in the world around you, you create the space to discover the peace of inner stillness. This stillness isn't just a mental state; it's a profound, felt sense in the body. It’s the deep quiet of your nervous system calming down.

Like a sleeping puppy, this silence is gentle, tranquil, and waiting to be recognized by you. By sitting quietly for a few moments, breathing deeply, and soaking in the outer silence, you may begin to feel this quiet, content state resonate from deep within your own physical being.

Notice the tranquility. Where do you feel it most in your body? Is there a sense of release in your shoulders, a softness in your belly, or a grounded feeling in your feet?

This week, let's practice making friends with silence—not just as the absence of noise, but as a path to a deeper connection with ourselves, mind, and body.