Quiet Time

This mindfulness activity was to have us try to be silent with our own thoughts for  20 minutes. Well I lasted 2 minutes! When I left the library, a custodian came up to me and opened a door and introduced himself. I had the thought, well rules are rules you cannot speak to him. But then I realized that I am to be present. And presently a man is looking on expectantly and in kindness, I want to pass that kindness back on to him as well. So I broke my silence and spoke to the gentleman. I cannot be silent in a verbal world. Or rather, I cannot be silent if it takes me out of the present. If the point of all this is to be present, I must accept what comes my way.

Another idea became aware of was that you can always start again. I don’t have to wait for a day or a year, but I can start again right away. Once I was able to be silent I was able to hear the world!