Increasingly we are all busy with our lives and we work at a hectic pace. Finding ways and times to just be quiet and contemplative is difficult. I know that I have to consciously carve out some time in my day for reflection and rest. When I do it, I have to resist the guilty feeling that tells me I “ought” to be doing something more “productive”. My most successful locations for quiet contemplation are:
1. The Beach – I am a lover of the ocean. The sound of the waves going in and out and the sea gulls calling to one another makes me feel peaceful and reflective. Sitting by the ocean is one way for me to quiet myself.
2. The Garden – I love to plant things and watch them grow. Touching the earth and sowing seeds is therapeutic for me. Maybe the metaphor of growth and renewal is at play here but I can’t think a better place to get grounded!
3. A Train or Plane Trip – For years I had a job in New York City and a home outside of Boston so every other week I took the train from New York to Boston and back. The train follows the seashore from Connecticut to Rhode Island. Nothing is as mesmerizing to me as watching the ocean landscape go by. In a different way a plane trip makes me see my life as a whole. Planes put me in a strategic mood and sitting quietly there I find myself getting very creative about my practice and my life.
4. A Solitary Breakfast – I am a morning person and like the early hours before anyone else is up. As a new mother I learned this quickly. There never seemed to be time just for me. I found getting up a half hour before the first cry from the baby let me capture some contemplative quiet time.
5. A Meditation place – Got a spot near your office that you love? Maybe it is a spot in the park or by a lake. Perhaps you have or can create a spot in your home that is conducive to quiet reflection? 20 minutes in that place can give you a whole new perspective!
6. Walking – For some just the rhythm of the pace they set is enough to get them in a reflective mood. For others beautiful surroundings give you that peaceful feeling. Whether you need a country path or a gentle pace, walking can create some quiet space that allows you to reflect.
7. Listening to Music – For me the music needs to be quiet with a gentle tempo that is conducive for reflection. I love my show tunes but I can’t listen to “You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray” without taping my toes and singing. Chopin’s piano music would be good for me. What would work for you?
8. Sitting Under the Stars – Many of us work past sundown so this could happen during the work “day”. Looking at the stars and moon puts me in a different world and helps put give me perspective on my work and my life. Instead of rushing outside to get where you are going, try stopping to enjoy the view for a minute or two.
9. Shower or Bath – Now this is a private place where no one can get to you (unless you have little children) and the water alone is enough to relax you. Taking a few minutes to shut off your mind and relax in your bath or shower is a perfect way to start or end the day.
10. Journaling – Writing quietly for a few minutes every day can allow you to be reflective. There are all kinds of ways to journal – stream of conscious writing, diary writing or just a list of the wonderful things that happened during your day that you are grateful for. Try any kind of writing that keeps you away from thoughts of your “to dos” and allows you to be expansive and idealistic.
Ten Locations for Quiet Reflection for Busy Professionals - To learn more about this author, visit Alvah Parker's Website.
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Alvah Parker
(Visit Alvah's Website)
Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor (The
Attorneys’ Coach) and a Career Changers’
Coach as well as publisher of "Parker’s
Points", an email tip list and "Road to
Success", an ezine. Subscribe now to
these free monthly publications at her
website www.asparker.com/samples.html
Alvah Parker began her career as a high
school chemistry teacher. She later
transition to a sales career at AT&T. As
a Sales Professional at AT&T for 15 years
she was elected to the prestigious Counsel
of Leaders for the top 3% of the sales
force. After leaving AT&T she
transitioned into a coaching career and
also volunteers as a SCORE Business
Counselor where she advises and counsels
small business owners.
Parker’s Value Program© enables her
clients to find their own way to work that
is more fulfilling and profitable. Her
clients are attorneys and people in
transition who want to find work that is
in line with their own life purpose.
Alvah is found on the web at www.aspar
ker.com. She may also be reached at
781-598-0388.
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