MaryAnn Iyer, MD | Category: Serenity

Quiet Time for Reflection

Happiness Inner Value Kindness mindfulness possibilites Serenity

Winter: a time of quiet reflection; longer nights; inward focus. The time of earth when sap runs slowly, trees rest, bears hibernate, birds migrate, and humans go berserk in a frenzy of holiday shopping, booze, and parties.

Wait.

What just happened?

OK, here’s the deal: we get to decide how we do this. Amongst the hidden blessings of last year’s COVID-quiet, forced though it was, is the realization many of us have how much we enjoy less busyness in our lives. So, the real question on the table is how well we can define our boundaries and make choices that are authentic for us.

Many years ago, I began what has become an annual tradition of taking a silent day every Winter Solstice, to reflect on my priorities and to ask myself whether my life choices were aligned. I invite you to consider something like this. A scheduled, dedicated “time-out” from the hustle and haste to ask yourself:

“What do I feel truly has value in this life? And in my life, specifically? Are my actions aligned with this?”

Meanwhile, Happy Holiday to you – in whatever way you choose to indulge.

Equanimity

Kindness PrayerPoem Serenity

Each thing that arises in you

Is that needing attention right now.

It is not you.

Though it is your attention it requires

To release it back into

The Infinite from which it came.

Greet it with kindness.

Equanimity.

Offer the solace of your very own heart

To that which has come

To you, today.

Helping from Serenity

MindBody Medicine mindfulness Serenity

So often people equate panic and distress with caring. But, really, how helpful is this? In my experience, those who flutter around all in a twitter when I am in need are just an added drain to my dwindled resources. I would rather be alone.

By the same token, those who equate being in a dither and rage about world conditions with caring are confused. To accuse the serene of being obviously “uninformed” is to confuse mental agitation with somehow being helpful. It is not.

It’s easy to do – get in a dither. The anxiety of an event is the first thing to hit, often. And to spin off in an attempt to rid ourselves of the uncomfortable sensations of this is natural. But there is another way.

There is a place of serenity inside, deep enough to be unruffled by the passing turmoil of the world. Find this place – sink deep within to notice that Life, Itself, is nourishing you. Whatever action comes from this space is clear, intentional, precise, and helpful.

For us each to find the place where we can greet the day with equanimity and even curiosity is such a gift. To ourselves – and the world.