‘The world is too much with us,’ William Wordsworth wrote in the early l800s. That statement is especially applicable today. The noise of traffic, the roar of planes, the sounds of television, and the, often frenzied, activities in both business and social life emphasise how much ‘the world’ is crowding into our lives. As a balancer, we need periods of quiet. We need to shut out exterior noises so we can seek spiritual enrichment. Then we can explore below our surface, uncover our true thoughts, pinpoint and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps overcome the latter.
For some people quietness frees their creativity. The stillness allows room for thoughts to flow freely, unhindered by external distractions. But for all, creative or not, ‘quiet time’ can be beneficial. Many people complain that they are ‘too busy’ to make room in their daily lives for quiet times. But we can create the opportunity for periods of quiet in several ways:
Get up earlier Many of us start our day in a flurry of last-minute rush and panic: ‘Got to get the kids to school, don’t forget the dustbins, how did I manage to get marmalade on my sleeve? Where are my car keys?’ Allow yourself extra time in the mornings. Give yourself a few quiet moments to compose yourself and prepare mentally and spiritually for the day ahead. Of course, this particular strategy works better if you make the effort to go to bed a little earlier too.
Stop trying to be perfect Accept the limitations of your time and energy, and don’t try to do everything in one day. By learning to put an active agenda on hold for a while you can encourage a peaceful silence. Be willing to accomplish a little less in the outer world so that you can allow more time for your inner self.
Turn off the telly TV is one of the biggest and most insidious usurpers of quiet time. Keep track of your viewing habits for a week or two. You may be surprised at the number of hours spent in front of the TV. If you have one or two favourite programmes, watch them and then turn the television off. You might be surprised to discover that you can gain several hours a week for quietude and more worthwhile pursuits.
Get immersed Water can be tremendously relaxing. So, whether it’s a luxurious soak in the bath, an invigorating shower or sitting by a babbling stream or splashing fountain, make time for the wet stuff.
Choose soothing pastimes A walk in the woods or on the beach, for instance, can be refreshing and restorative. Companionable silence with nature can also help you to reconnect with your inner self. Listening to music is another way of relaxing, encouraging an inner quietness. Whatever your preference regarding relaxing activity (or inactivity) make sure you make time for you. Set some time aside on a regular basis during which you do something (or nothing) that will allow your body to unwind and your mind to relax.
Quietness is not only an outer condition. It is also an inner condition. The mind plays a large part in the quest for quietness. You may be in ideal surroundings. Perhaps you are sitting on the shores of a calm, lovely lake. But if you are mentally rehashing an earlier argument, your mind and spirit are in turmoil. Or you may be riding in a noisy city bus. If you can block out the noise and focus on peaceful inner thoughts, you will have quietness in spite of outer conditions.
Quietness is not easily attained in the modern world. However, to create segments of quiet by thoughtful planning is possible – and necessary – to our wellbeing. While we cannot stay on such an inner mountaintop, we can experience moments of mountaintop quiet and serenity by seeking and incorporating them into our daily lives.
‘The world is too much with us,’ William Wordsworth wrote in the early l800s. That statement is especially applicable today. The noise of traffic, the roar of planes, the sounds of television, and the, often frenzied, activities in both business and social life emphasise how much ‘the world’ is crowding into our lives. As a balancer, we need periods of quiet. We need to shut out exterior noises so we can seek spiritual enrichment. Then we can explore below our surface, uncover our true thoughts, pinpoint and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps overcome the latter. 
