Drown out the noise so you can hear what’s real….
Have you ever heard anyone say…”the noise was so loud I couldn’t hear myself think”…? Maybe that’s not always a bad thing…
Have you ever been driving somewhere and a song comes on the radio and, for whatever reason, you turn it up…then you turn it up some more, suddenly you have the volume so loud that you can feel every beat… Maybe you really like the song, maybe you like what/who it makes you think of, or maybe you just needed to drown out the noise…
The noise I’m talking about is the chatter in your head, the self-talk. Good, bad or otherwise, sometimes you just need it to stop. I’ve tried meditation, as many forms as I could find; sitting, laying down, silent, quiet music of some sort, walking, exercise, etc. and I still try to do some sort almost every day. However, it was not until recently that I realized why I get so much “something” out of being alone in my car, a small isolated space, and turning the radio up as loud as I can handle. Don’t get me wrong, I also love to do this with my kids or certain friends, but I noticed that when I’m all alone, it can be different. As I was blaring my music today, suddenly it all made sense.
When the radio is that loud it actually drowns out all the “noise” in my head, it all fades to a low indecipherable mumble in the background. I could no longer focus on my “To Do List”, the morning argument with the kids, the past, the future, all the “could have, would have and should haves” that take up space in my head. Suddenly I realized I was no longer thinking at all and I became fully aware of how I was feeling at that particular moment. All that I could “hear” was what was in my heart, and it was louder and clearer than ever. Wow! What an awareness. When my ears and head were flooded with music, my heart was free to soar above it all. The more I embraced this the more I was able to almost harness the real power within me; I felt clarity in what I was feeling, as opposed to the jumbled emotions of my thoughts.
I continue to try to practice various forms of meditation because I believe in the importance and benefits of mindfulness. But what is mindfulness really? A dictionary will tell you that it is a mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment while acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations without focusing on them. As I understand it, it is most simply being aware of “Now”. When I’m driving with the music so loud that I can’t think, I am definitely living in the moment. Strong feelings flood my entire body and I am in total appreciation of the awareness, so much so that when a song ends and I’m not a big fan of the next, I eagerly search for another so that the feeling continues. Ultimately, when I do have to turn the radio down, the thoughts come right back like sand in a hole without missing a beat. But I still feel better, sometimes even energized, and I do believe there is a positive lingering effect on my day.
For that moment, it’s as if time stops, but it doesn’t, it is actually such precious time that some of us don’t think about again that day, instead we go back to focusing on our to do lists, etc…
Now I have a greater understanding of why people who meditate say they are almost addicted to it. For any of you who have not found the right fit in meditation practices, I recommend giving this a try. Chances are, many of you do it already…next time, when the volume is maxed out and you can no longer hear the noise in your head, listen to what your heart is telling you. Namaste
What are some unique or different mindfulness and/or meditation practices you have found?
Disclaimer: Sometimes I’m so caught up in the moment that I end up at Target…regardless of where I was heading…but I always enjoy the drive 😉
You got quite a good website, Pleased I found it
through yahoo.
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your
article seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great images or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the greatest in its
niche. Wonderful blog!
Keep all the articles coming. I really like reading your posts.
Thank you.
My son discovered a wonderful piece of previous Circulate
Blue in a stream.
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and
found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
I’m really loving the theme/design of your weblog.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A couple
of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this issue?
I am actually thankful to the holder of this site who has shared
this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Very helpful blog. i will follow this blog. keep up the great work.
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web site on a regular
basis, this site is really good and the users are in fact sharing
nice thoughts.
Truly helpful as well as superb structure of articles,
now that’s great.
😉
Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hi there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg
it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited
from this web site.
I have read so many posts regarding the blogger
lovers except this paragraph is really a pleasant paragraph,
keep it up.
Thank you
I got this web site from my friend who shared with me concerning this web site
and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative articles here.
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is
getting more from this web page, and your views are
pleasant for new viewers.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and
visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a fantastic job with
this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Opera.
Outstanding Blog!
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple
iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog
and look forward to all your posts! Keep up
the superb work!
thank you!