Quiet time: When and where will you find yours?

With the increasing popularity of things like yoga, meditation groups and self-help books on this topic, we as a society are more aware of the need for daily quiet time and how essential it is to our peace and sanity. Quiet time allows us to clear our thoughts, re-evaluate how we want to feel and allows us to be more productive with the rest of the time we spend busily accomplishing tasks and going from one place to the next. So often we get stuck in feeling how we are feeling and not liking that feeling but we forget to take the time to "go within" and ask ourselves how we would prefer to feel. Giving ourselves that choice allows us to open up to a sense of freedom and exploration and puts us back in control of ourselves and how we operate. When we notice ourselves going down the path of moodiness or "the whole world is against me" feeling is around, allow that to be a cue to set aside any length of time to make a change.

Tips for finding quiet time for yourself:
1) It doesn't have to be quiet to be quiet time
-With screaming kids or even in a busy work environment we can still use focal points to bring you back into your head. Think of journaling or even just picking a place on your computer (relaxing screen saver) or a spot on your wall or desk to focus in on. At home, pick the first color that comes to your mind and as you look around the room look for other things that are that color only and notice how your senses (touch, smell, hearing, feeling) expand as you become more aware of being in that moment.
2) Don't be judgemental about length or quality of quiet time
-It may be one minute, 30 minutes, or a split second but it is all useful and it all counts. Give yourself a goal or a choice of feeling more relaxed, more happy or at peace with each bit of quiet time you give yourself. Each time you look into the mirror practice smiling with your eyes and letting them crinkle.
3) Look to nature
-Try just looking out of your window at a tree and noticing its natural symmetry, watch its branches blow in the breeze. Watch for birds to fly by or look up at clouds and look for shapes just like your imagination would let you enjoy as a child. Take a different route when running errands or on your daily commute and get "lost" in looking for things you may have not noticed before. Take a different street and be observant of others who seem to be enjoying the day. Take note, sometimes just people watching can be an observatory form of meditation and quieting the mind. Let your mind make up stories for who you think they are and what you think they might be passionate about.
4) For the busiest of people, find quiet time while involved in daily tasks
-When washing the dishes, be in the moment of washing the dishes; pay attention to the soap and foam and the rhythym or sound the noise makes. When folding clothes, notice the feel and texture of the fabric and listen to relaxing or upbeat music. When doing computer work, put a picture or motivational quote that you have written that makes you smile as you take that energy with you into your work. While running errands around town, take 3 conscious deep breaths at traffic lights and practice being in the moment by genuinely expressing interest in how the cashier or bank teller is doing.
5) Forget needing a reason for quiet time
-You and your sanity are worth it! You don't need to earn or prove it and it is the quickest most effective way to change your mood. Pay attention to yourself and enjoy how relaxed and centered and clear you feel as you make time for yourself--enjoy!