clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  musings,  sunsets,  trees,  writing/reading

Silence Within

March 20, 2018
Solitude at Sunset
Solitude at Sunset

I go to this area on regular basis because it’s only about 5-6 miles from my home. Until last night I never paid any attention to this tree. Just to to right of of the image are a group of trees I photograph on a regular basis but not this one. I don’t even remember seeing it before. Anyway it is now on my list of subjects to look for.

Silence has become an essential part of my life. It’s not just a time to sit and have external quiet. Finding inner quiet has been a process over the past 20 years or so. I found it useful when I worked as a fight attendant. When flying I discovered how to find places of silence. After the chaotic boarding process we would begin pushing away from the gate and begin our taxi to the runway. It’s at this point we take our jump-seats and as we are trained, make a silent review. This silent review entails a walk through our minds all steps we would take in case of an emergency during takeoff. After a silent review I would also use this time to quiet my inner self. This included deep breaths to help silence the mind. There was no silence in that aircraft but I could find the silence within me.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

8 Comments

  • Tom Dills

    March 20, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Few people understand what a critical role silence can play in our lives. And by silence it doesn’t refer to just sound. Noise can take many forms, and finding that place of “quietude” can make a big difference on our mental health and overall outlook. It’s funny that you never noticed that tree before. I have a feeling that this won’t be the last time! 😉

    • Monte Stevens

      March 20, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      Yes, I agree. As for the tree, we’ll it’s just never spoken to me like it it did yesterday. And, I will be checking on it on a regular basis. Updates to come!

  • Steve Skinner

    March 20, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    I agree that times of solitude are very important inorder to maintain balance in our lives.

  • Earl

    March 21, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    I’ve found as I’ve grown older I’ve tended to focus more inwardly or be somewhat more contemplative…not in a bad way but as a part of knowing myself a bit better. Silence or music tends to support this. Lovely photo, Monte!