Quiet. | A Weekly Word 2022

Quiet time restores our overtaxed nervous systems, it conserves and sustains our energy, and conditions our brains to adapt to the complex environments and situations that we navigate each day. Quiet time allows for creative thinking and daydreaming – activating parts of the brain that we use less and less as we grow older. Quiet time sets the stage for mindfulness, allowing us to better recognize and appreciate the present. Quiet time makes way for self reflection, self connection, and our daily practice of self love. 

Anything that we practice as an act of self love, should be done holistically. As described in the Weekly Word on Love, we were created in God’s image and we should love ourselves as we are commanded to love our God – with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength.

Heart. We know that the heart can be deceitful, stirring up feelings of unworthiness, comparison or jealousy. In these cases, emotional quiet time means disconnecting from our triggers. Consider taking a break, or regular breaks, from social media and news outlets, and further disconnect yourself from environments or relationships that may cause your heart to stumble. 

Soul. Quiet time for the soul should include time to commune with, and become one, with God. Quiet time in the spiritual sense may include Bible study, prayer, or any other time that allows us to unplug from the world and reconnect with the Lord.

Mind. Sometimes referred to as a brain break, quieting the mind is an intentional practice of stopping the rumination that occupies our brains. Interrupting that stream of thoughts could look like a grounding exercise, deep breathing, or guided meditations that instruct us to simply ‘observe’ rather than engage with our thoughts

Strength. Quieting our physical body often means stillness, sleep or rest. But it could also include a focus on mindful and intentional movement versus some of the rote and repetitive movements that we make without even thinking about them. Consider incorporating forms of active rest like walking, or deep stretches that ease tensions in the body.

Passage

“make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.”

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Prayer

God, thank you for modeling quiet time for us in your Word. Thank you for showing up in our quiet time with You. Thank you, Lord, for speaking to us and through us when we are quiet enough to hear from You. Help me to be silent. Help me to be calm. Help me to be still. Allow me to discover creativity, inspiration and wonder in the quiet. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Practice

This week, I will focus on practicing intentional quiet time. I will commit to focusing on my heart, mind, soul and strength as I do so.