Magic in Introverted Solitude

When was the last time you took the time for you? I mean, turn off the phone, put the kids, spouses, dogs and friends aside and just be? When was the last time when you took time for you, without any plans and interruptions?

My call to you today is to start to carve out time and see the magic appear.

Ever since I came to this country, I became a "doing" individual. After all, I had to prove that I am hard working and to measure up, prove my worth. I always had to be doing something: reading more, helping others, working, more reading, more helping others, more working. I produced great results and became known as "super busy" and a "workaholic."

I actually enjoyed hearing this because it affirmed me. I was being productive and useful. From lazy coffee and cake afternoons in Bosnia, to checking my blackberry every five minutes just in case I don't miss something important. What I was missing, though, was more precious that I could have ever imagine.

It all started with taking a restorative yoga class which forced me to hold six postures for 10-15 minutes each. Initially, I thought I was wasting my time when in fact, that is what I should have been doing all along. I have been practicing yoga for very many years now, but it was always "doing" yoga. It had great benefits, but restorative yoga allowed me to fully breathe for the first time. It allowed me to completely let go.

Be still and know that I am. We have al heard this statement and for me, it spans religion and deity concepts. Being still is a way for me to restore, let go and connect to the well of wisdom within. Every single time I am still, answers come, creativity pours, I am calm and centered. If I miss my quiet time, chaos will envelop me soon for I know now that my environment mirrors the inside. 
Take the time to be still. Meditate. It doesn't have to me a cross legged meditation on a cushion, but just close your eyes and breathe, trying to be.

I work with many very busy people and the reply is always that there is not enough time. If you are anything like me, being alone is scary. I get that. What we do currently feeds a need of ours and what if we no longer needed that? My suggestion is that you can always go to the bathroom, close your eyes and just breathe, even if you are at work.

Maybe for you, this is the beginning.

Maybe you will make more time: get up earlier or go to bed after everyone else does. Maybe you will take a retreat by yourself. Maybe you will take a sabbatical and explore. You know what you need, but you have to start somewhere. Stillness has secrets to tell you. Take the time to tap the wisdom inside. Your physical and emotional body will thank you and so will your spirit.

Let me know how it goes and remember that it is a journey so en-joy the scenery.