Something to think about....The Importance of a Quiet Mind

Today, it is very common to go through life with so many distractions, commuting to and from work, chauffeuring kids to and from activities, family events, running from here and there, all while trying to squeeze it all into each and every day. It feels as though, at times, we are on that perpetual wheel that never seems to stop. It wasn't until most recently, with the onset of Covid, that I, as most of the world, we're forced to slow down a bit and re-evaluate every day life as we know it. Living through a pandemic has taught me so much, but most of all, to never take "time' for granted again. Before the onslaught of Covid,  I would find myself saying, "Someday I will get to that", or "I have always wanted to try that, but always coming up with the excuse, 'I don't have the time". I found myself always taking care of everyone and everything else in my life, always dodging the things that I wanted to try or even taking some time specifically for myself. One of my daily tasks that I began to make time for during the Covid lockdown was meditation. Even if it was for ten minutes each day, specifically during those chaotic weeks and months of the pandemic trying to balance work and family obligations. I found that meditation helped me immensely to refocus and find balance by quieting my mind and learning how to be still in the moment. I would practice slow deep breathing all while refocusing my thoughts. The more relaxed I became, the less anxious I was, it was a game changer for me. As we moved through the months of Covid and social restrictions became less and less, I started to venture out into nature. I'm fortunate to be an area of the US where we experience the outdoor sporting pleasures of all four seasons. I began hiking more and even took up kayaking! With each new task that I ventured out to do, I would always take those few moments to be still and soak up the environment around me....never again taking time for granted.