Getting Comfortable with Silence

How does it feel to sit in silence?   Does it make you uncomfortable or does it feel good?  For many people, getting comfortable in quiet can take some practice, but there are huge benefits that might make you want to try.

Even though you may not live in an area where true silence is evenly remotely possible, there is still much to be gained by keeping conversations at bay, alerts off on your phone and computer, and background noise at a minimum.  

The secret benefits of silence are vast, including decreased stress by lowering cortisol/adrenaline levels, lowered blood pressure, increased healthy hormone regulation, improved immune function, and better brain chemistry (including the possibility of some new cell growth).

Sitting in silence also offers the opportunity for deeper reflection.  We can hear our thoughts and may start to sense what needs to be heard and how best to follow our intuition.  And it may even lend into deeper awareness and the linking of ideas and experiences fostering new creativity and problem solving.  Ideas may start to spontaneously flow and seemingly random pieces of information may coalesce into cohesive thoughts.  You may become more aware of yourself but also your environment.

You don’t have to be a yogi sitting in meditation to experience the benefits of being quiet.  Try taking a walk alone without your headphones, lie in bed for 5 more minutes in the morning, or try a breathing practice like box breath (inhale for 4 count, hold for 4 count, exhale for 4 count, hold for 4 count, and repeat).

If you need a dedicated time to get quiet, come join us for Restorative Yoga. Find your class HERE.