There are days when we all feel frustration, doubts and anxiety. About our businesses and jobs, relationships, direction in life and even our faith. So what do we do on those days? I find that quiet time helps. Time that encourages relaxation and reflection; however brief, to give our bodies and minds the opportunity to stop reacting and become still.
Allowing ourselves to become still can be such a gift. I think that for the believer, these times invite God to touch our minds and souls. He hears our questions, laments and prayers. He fills us with the energy and surety to settle our fears and frustrations, and find our way forward. Even for those who exclusively seek answers to their questions and problems within this world, I believe that stillness gives them a spiritual space to revisit thoughts and emotions and take a deeper and clearer look at where they wish to go.
How do I achieve stillness in a busy life and work schedule? I usually walk until I’m tired and then I take a deliberate rest. Sometimes I sit down outside where I can lean against a tree, feel the earth on my hands and hear our creek; and sometimes I just come inside and lay down on the living room couch and enjoy the quiet, empty house. In any case, I usually have a dog or two with me and I relax best once they also lay down and quiet themselves. As I gently stroke their heads, I can feel myself relaxing and letting go of outside stresses. I’m a big believer in concentrating on my breathing as a way to let everything else fade into the background. Even when I can’t get away from what is stressing me physically, breathing deeply and consciously controlling my breathing helps me get to a place of calm.
When I’m having a rough day or feeling in crisis over something, just concentrating on something as fundamental as the breaths I take, is enough to let everything else go. For me, that new quiet space opens up and then slowly refills with answers, solace, and peace…my way forward.
I used to react quickly to situations and stressors, and in many circumstances, it’s very helpful to be fast on your feet; but, long range, it’s probably more important to understand how to calm yourself and put yourself in a position for thoughtful reflection followed by considered action.
Being reactive is human, and sometimes absolutely necessary and reasonable; but, being able to develop and use a system to relax and quiet your mind, will ultimately serve you better in terms of problem solving and simply feeling better and more effective.
I’m no expert, in fact, this morning when two of my tractors wouldn’t start and the situation made me late for a work project, it took all I had not to lash out at someone or something and have a legitimate if minor meltdown. I took some breaths, thought about my options and regrouped. I called a neighbor to help me and it was probably a good thing that I got to spend most of the following half hour or so driving through the ranch and opening/closing gates as I went to meet the work party. It was a good chance to breathe, and let the frustration and stress of my morning go.
I was glad that I didn’t have to go from my morning filled with two dead batteries directly to working with others. Sometimes you need a little space…and I’m glad I got and took mine.
So whether you work outside on a ranch, in an office, from a patrol car or in front of a classroom full of kids; just remember, it’s not only okay to take a break, quiet your mind and breathe deeply, it is essential to making good choices, having positive relationships, and feeling your best.
Kris Stewart is a rancher in Paradise Valley, Nevada.