The next time you’re at the grocery store waiting in line, take a moment to look around you. You may be taking note of who has the most in their cart, who has the moody child, the magazines near the register. But the other thing you will probably notice is how many people aren’t present in the moment. I know, “the moment at the grocery store?” Yes…the moment at the grocery store. They’re probably on their phones.
You can take note of this almost anywhere these days. Airports, parents “watching” their kids at the park (but they’re really on their phones), at doctor’s offices, while waiting for the light to turn green in the car.
So few people take advantage of these moments of pause the universe gives us all the time throughout the day. Instead of silence, they’d rather fill it with social media scrolling or posting or checking their email. I’m not saying there’s no value in social media or email. But what I am saying is that most people seem unable to just “be” in the moment. “Be” in silence. “Be” in stillness.
They need or prefer the distraction of their phone. Of social media. Of ANYTHING rather than just standing still or sitting still and being still. If you can’t be still by yourself, with yourself, then my opinion is that you’ve lost yourself. Or, are in the process of losing yourself. And just like tangible things can be lost and found, you can find yourself again. You just have to take advantage of these moments of introspection the universe gives us. A few moments at a time.
Start by NOT picking up your phone at the grocery store. Yes, the entire time while waiting. You can move on to NOT picking it up every time you are waiting at a stop light in your car. Next, in the waiting room at the vet or the dentist. You’ll be amazed at how many opportunities you have to NOT be dependent on a phone. How many opportunities there are to take a few deep breaths. To maybe smile at the person in line next to you. Dare I suggest, start a conversation.
Believe it or not, it’s in these random quiet moments, without added distraction, that you can find an immeasurable amount of peace. And if there’s one thing we can all use more than social media and selfies and hundreds of emails from stores we haven’t been to in years…it’s peace.
And peace has to start from within. If you aren’t at peace with yourself, you’ll never be at peace with anybody else. If you can’t find peace on your own without outside distraction, you will never find it with material things. Don’t confuse true happiness with mere comfort. And don’t confuse inner peace with outside distraction. It has to come from within.
Be open to what calls you…
OracleIndigo