Stillness for August
Wow. The summer has flown by... August is here - the in between summer and fall time. I don't know about you, but I would love to slow down this month. August is a time of transition from the carefree days of summer to the more structured routines of fall. It's a time to reflect on the past few months and prepare for what's to come. For many, this can bring about feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, especially when it comes to work and personal goals.
Stillness allows us to quiet our minds, listen to our inner voice, and reconnect with our true passions and desires. It provides a space for creativity to flourish and for new ideas to take root. Taking the time to be still can lead to a sense of clarity and purpose that is essential for personal growth and success.
Big long hug! Vicki
HOW TO PLAN QUIET TIME EACH DAY.
1. CHOOSE A PLACE. Being outdoors in nature gives me a sense of peace. On a clear day I enjoy the blue sky, birds singing, wind blowing, sun shining. I can hear the quiet. And if the TV is on inside or others are roaming around, it's a great getaway for quiet time.
2. CHOOSE A TIME. Mornings I believe are the best. Get up early. It's most likely quieter if everyone else is still sleeping. And no interruptions. And after you get your day started, it's more difficult to find the time.
3. CHOOSE YOUR TEXT. The bible app is a favorite of mine. It has plans that meet your current needs from fear, anxiety, hope and more. Or get an inspirational book that serves you in the moment and take a chapter and reflect on it each day.
HOW TO PRACTICE YOUR QUIET TIME.
1. SIT, BREATH and PRAY. It can be hard to start on some days, especially if you are struggling with something. On those days, I always start a conversation with God and He leads me to stillness. Meditation and yoga are also my go-to's. And I do decide to go for a walk on occasion when it's more difficult to be still. This gets me away in nature and breathing and calm.
2. READ THE VERSE or CHAPTER. Picking up your book or a digital format helps to guide your daily plan and stay on course. Take a chapter a day. Or I have skipped around in my bible app plan according to my current state of mind, but honestly sometimes that doesn't help me to focus because I am searching for a new plan.
3. PLAN YOUR DAY. As I am listening to my chosen bible study plan, I often journal while listening. It is so releasing and clears the cob webs. I also start getting thoughts about my day or even creative ideas. Being quiet, still, calm helps to start your day off right. One thing I try to do the night before is make my to do list for the next day, so It's out of my head before I go to sleep and then my morning quiet time is that in fact.
If you need some more guidance and structure to get started, click on this link for a Start Your Day Planner created by Christy Wright.
For more details, listen to this amazing and helpful podcast about How to actually have a quiet time each day by Christy Wright.
DOWNTOWN NEWNAN - FUN EVENTS HAPPENING IN AUGUST!
PET OF THE MONTH - HANK
