Some mornings, the world feels loud before I even have my first cup of coffee. Yes, I have written about morning coffee meditations and embracing the simple moments before we enter the day. But let’s be honest, I cannot achieve that zen continuously because life takes over. That does not mean I do not try.
Noise is present from the moment we wake up. And after a while, that noise can take over our balance. I have noticed this in myself. One quick scroll can shift my mood. One rude comment or unkind action of another can replay in my head longer than it should. A peaceful morning can suddenly turn into anxiety, and a quiet night can become endless scrolling rather than an old-school conversation with my hubby.
The human mind was not made to carry everyone’s opinions, problems, and the junk we consume online. We need to know when to detox from the non-stop noise since we are constantly connected to the world. When we are not on our laptops, we are on our phones. When we are not on our phones, we check our watches. Every ping pulls us away from ourselves and our inner bliss.
Let’s face reality, busy is not glamorous. Busy becomes a shit storm that slowly wears down any sense of tranquility. And thus, that means doing less. Sometimes that means stepping away from the depressing news, the group chat, the small-minded gossip, or anything that drains your spirit and positivity. We gain a calmer nervous system when we make mindful changes in our day and interactions. Notice your heart when you feel stressed. Then notice your heart when you feel calm. Your body knows the difference and tells you what it needs.
Inner bliss does not happen with one magical change. I wish it did. I often think of Samantha from Bewitched (I loved that show) and how one little nose wiggle could fix everything in her life. Her laundry was magically done. Her house magically cleaned. Yet, real life does not work that way. Peace takes practice and time. Bliss often comes through simple moments; a slower morning, a walk outside, journaling, reading a book, enjoying a cup of tea, or an at-home with spa with your favorite essential oil. For some, bliss is achieved by completing the household chores, organizing a closet, or revamping a bedroom.
But no matter what, trying to live with this idea of “perfection” will not bring peace or bliss. Chasing it will only bring you more stress. However, choosing peace does not mean becoming cold or shutting out kind people. Protecting your energy should never become an excuse to stop being kind. Kindness still matters. People who care still matter. Shutting out the noise simply means learning what deserves your emotional energy and what does not.
“Living with a kind heart is often the first step to living a more peaceful life.”
The world will always be loud, especially in today’s climate. Therefore, you must choose what you consume. Step away from what feels heavy, but treasure the people who treasure you. I cannot stress enough to never take a kind person for granted.
So, when seeking to replace noise with bliss, a lot remains in your daily actions and how YOU treat people. This is a practice that takes time and requires change and constant re-evaluation. And yes, every day will be different, but the goal is never give up on yourself when seeking more peace. Just remember to always be kind to yourself and others.
Mindfully curated by Deb Cleveland Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Maison Benaud