The Discomfort of Quiet
by Holly Schweitzer Dunn, LISW
If this slowed down, adjusted pace is bringing to mind certain existential questions, know that you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing it from clients, family and friends.
“What does this all mean anyway?”
“What lasting impact am I really having on the world?”
“What is my true purpose?”
We encourage you to use this time to reflect on the different parts of you. If you haven’t taken up a regular practice of journaling, now is a great time to use writing and reflection to absorb what is happening in the world and in your own interior life. What do you want for your life? Are you living the life you are meant for? What is holding you back? What is supporting you in your journey?
One of the clients Holly Schweitzer Dunn met with last week was able to name one of the challenges of our collective sequestering. Her willingness to be still and silent, her openness to hear her inner voice, and her strength to acknowledge what was revealed led her to greater clarity. She realized,
“It is in the silence that I can really hear what I still need to work on.”
This is, of course, scary for most people. If you are accustomed to being a busy bee, you might find that all that activity has been a means to numb, distract, and deny pain; now, when the things that keep us busy have stopped, it may feel excruciating. To the extent that you can remain safe and calm while doing so, take a breath, close your eyes, and listen to the voice of truth that you’ve been too busy to hear before now.
