Summer Silence
Tim Richardson
The Power of the Pause/Exceptional Service keynotes, workshops, and panel discussion facilitator. Speaker, author, husband, father, outdoor enthusiast, and aspiring jazz pianist.
How long has it been since you’ve been silent for an extended period of time? In today’s world of constant activity and 24/7 access to technology, it’s important to regularly take time to clear our minds and open our thoughts to our surroundings.
Over the last week, I’ve spent a week in a cabin in the woods with my family. We’ve had virtually no access to technology. I’ve read two books, taken long walks, and had a lot of unstructured time. My day starts and ends on a dock overlooking a beautiful lake.
This is not my normal.
I usually spend most days in constant activity. Emails and errands, family schedules and travel schedules, phone calls and to-do lists fill my time, most of the time.
But I yearn for these quiet times of reflection and idleness. I have written about this topic before because it is so important for your mental and physical health. Having “nothing” time is restorative, renewing, and revitalizing.
I suspect that mental health across the board would be improved if we took more time to just be still and spent less time in front of our screens.
Days and seasons have a rhythm and so should we. Our regular rhythm should include periods of time that allow us to just “be” without feeling the need to “do.”
Time spent in silence and rest produces an immeasurable ROI. When we return to our normal routine, we do so with increased clarity, motivation, focus, and purpose.
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President ICMAS
1 年We too just escaped technology for nearly a full week. One of the highlights of the trip was sitting on a cliff overlooking the Pacific in total silence with a group of 10 as we watched a rare bird get up the never to jump then fly off the cliff into to 30mph wind. It was a great experience driven by our guide to sit in silence for several minutes.
AI, Technology, & Servant Leadership Development Expert ?? Building Future-Ready Workforces Through Tech-Enabled Leadership ?? Better Boss Builder ?? Author ? Consultant ? Professional Speaker
1 年#Jealous - but of course, it's my own fault for not planning enough. My primary solitude retreat is in Maine. I wonder if I can work on finding somewhere a bit closer to home and more readily available when needed....
Real Estate Advisor and Team Leader at Coastal Properties Group International/ Forbes Global Properties
1 年Love it. It has to be intentional about it, or all that other stuff gets in the way...
Valuation Operations Head | Valuations Product Development | Vendor Management
1 年Love the digital detox at the lake!