December 15, 2015

Listening to the Silence


It's quiet here this morning. The light has been slow to fill the house. I'm sitting in a corner of the sectional with my cup of tea and I find that my mood matches that of the house. From where I sit I can see the tree lit up with it's quiet beauty, the dog napping in her favorite chair, our oldest kitters, the one I thought might not make it to see the new year, is curled up on a quilt.


I'm enjoying this peace in the midst of a busy season that I am trying to keep in check. The days are flying by at an alarming rate, the baking, the making, the shopping, the wrapping, the obligations and the to-do's piling up. But I know that's not what it's about. So I take a moment to sit in my corner and revel in the silence, to take the time to really notice the sights and sounds in this moment of my life. The snoring cat, the sloping floors, the flicker of a candle, the soft warmth of my flannel pajamas, the sound of the heater kicking on, the happy glow of Christmas lights, the stack of books waiting to be read, the overcast day creating a cozy darkness around me.


I know this moment won't last but I think that makes it even sweeter. There is something about taking the time to really notice what is going on around you, to quietly observe. It takes my focus off of myself and whatever is stressing me out. It has a calming effect on me, bringing me back to my center. Reminding me of what's important.


I know this coziness must soon come to an end but I think that by starting my day listening to the silence, I gave myself the very gift I needed today.


19 comments:

  1. This post calmed me down! I took a moment to feel what was going on around me. We are having an unusually warm December. It is about 71 out right now. I have the windows open and a gentle breeze is blowing in. It feels good. If I don't connect with you before, have a wonderful Christmas Jen.

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  2. Your calmness has refocused me this morning as well. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I am finally at a place in my Christmas season where slowing down and taking a day to relax and soak it all in is doable. How do we forget to do that? Thanks for the reminder, it sounds like just what I need.

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  4. Jen, the best gifts to oneself are still free and silence, is in today's world a beautiful gift. Hope you can find a few more silent moments in the hectic run up to Christmas.
    Anna xx

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  5. Very calming. Thanks that's just what I needed. Anne

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  6. Very calming. Thanks that's just what I needed. Anne

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  7. Sounds like a wonderful gift to slow down and listen to the silence. I think I need a little calming myself this year! Take care. Love your beautiful photos!

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  8. I can just visualize it....and you are so right. I try to start my day with a moment of peace each morning....which is getting harder now that my older daughter has moved back home. She likes to CHAT first thing in the morning.....and mommy needs quiet.

    I guess I will take my moment of silence in my room.

    Merry Christmas to you...xo

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  9. I try to find little moments to relax in front of the tree, especially on the mornings before heading off to a long day at work. It gets harder as the days fly by before the holiday! I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Jen!

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  10. I find that the days I begin by seeking out the silence are the best days. Thank you for this lovely opportunity to do just that.

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  11. Hi Jen,
    Such a nice post to remind us all to just slow it down...with Christmas coming up so fast now it is so easy to get caught up in all the hoopla and forget to just take time for what is important...and you have said it perfectly here!
    Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
    Kimberley

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  12. Sounds wonderful! I love the time of the day which would be dusk. Just as it is getting dark and my Christmas lights come on, and the house is quiet and I can just reflect and usually sit there smiling. :) Kit

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  13. I just had to stop by....I visit on and off...and I always leave with a smile and a sense of enjoying everything around me. Making each day, project, task worthy of my time ...not trying to stress about what needs to be done but enjoying the process. You bring life to what many of us think....:)

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  14. Such wise and inspiring words, Jen. When I can see others can do it, I feel good. So well written, too. Thank you and many blessings.

    Jane x

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  15. Silence truly is a gift, especially this time of the year. Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones. xo

    ~ Wendy
    http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  16. Jen, your words are like being wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket...in front of a crackling fireplace... with snow softly falling outside on glorious winter day. As always, thanks for making my day with your beautiful blog post.

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  17. Jen, your words are like being wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket...in front of a crackling fireplace... with snow softly falling outside on glorious winter day. As always, thanks for making my day with your beautiful blog post.

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