Monday, March 21, 2011

Tune Out the External Noise

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There are times when we need to tune out all the external noise: log off Facebook and twitter, close out email, turn off the TV and silence our phones. Modern technology has created an environment that has made us too accessible; and where we can find ourselves a little too connected to the outside world--so much so that we forget to tune into ourselves.

Serving as catalyst for this train of thought was this post from Jess J. It’s short and sweet, but speaks to our controlling our own experiences. Whether or not we’re always cognizant of it, we can control a great deal of what we’re exposed to. We simply have to make choices and set priorities.

For example, Sunday nights are particularly difficult for me. I’m unsure why…there's just a melancholy that settles in as the sun goes down; the source of which I have yet to surmise. What becomes more important in that moment, however, is keeping this sense of seriousness from turning into sadness; being present with it, and using it to uplift myself, or to learning something about myself.

On these nights, I choose to tune out negativity. If I bother to watch TV, it has to be something positive, or inspiring. Last night, I watched my recordings of Janet Jackson on Dateline, and Diana Ross with her family on Oprah. If these three divas aren’t inspiring, I’m not sure who is!

I might also spend time reading books or magazines, journaling or free-writing; I might even straighten up around the house. It’s not the outlet that’s important, but what I can gain from it—whether it’s a new idea, a fresh perspective, or a plan for the week.

How important do you feel it is to turn off the external noise occasionally and turn inward? If so, how do you go about it? How often do you think we should we make this a priority?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

YES!!! This is exactly what it is, turning down the noise of the world because when we're quiet we can hear our own truth. That's what I need right now. That's what we ALL need at some point.

GG said...

I'm triggered to tune out when I feel overwhelmed (this happens a lot). So, I choose to get back to the basics of just being me by doing things that soothe me.

My favorite ways to tune out are to clean up around the house, read a book or do my hair. Oh, and I love to watch musicals too. I try to find that place within that always knows that everything is going to be alright. Sometimes that voice gets drowned out by all the other messages that bombard us day in and day out.

Crystal said...

I think it's important to tune it out so we learn to hear and respect our own internal voice. I tend to go MIA for a few days or few hours when I need to do this. And I'm completely engrossed in me for that time. Even if it's just cleaning up. It should be a priority as often as needed. Sometimes the external world can completely drown our inner-selves out until we're exhausted and weak spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. So, as I said as often as needed.

Kim Jackson said...

@ Jess - I really like this: "when we're quiet we can hear our own truth". That's really what it's all about, isn't it....

@ G - I try to take little moments out during the day too; especially at work. Short mental health breaks to drown out the bombarding messages, if that makes sense. It makes a tremendous difference.

@ stillsoulful - good point; how often we take the time is subjective based on our individual needs. I've pledged to myself to do it more often.

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