Finding Stillness in a Busy World: My Journey with Silent Meditation

In June, I had the opportunity to attend a 10-day silent meditation course, and the benefits I’ve gained from this experience have been profound. I wanted to share some of these outcomes in hopes that they inspire you to incorporate moments of stillness into your own life.

In our busy, overstimulated lives, we rarely take the time to disconnect. Or maybe it's just an excuse we use to avoid looking within?

Before this course, I often felt anxious but couldn’t pinpoint why. As a mom of three under the age of 7, I frequently felt overwhelmed and frustrated, sometimes taking out my stress on my kids without understanding the root cause. This course was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, but I already plan to do it again. We seldom allow ourselves to sit quietly, yet when we’re overwhelmed by anxiety, stillness and silence can be exactly what our bodies crave.

I stumbled upon this course serendipitously after hearing someone share their own experience during a talk. Intrigued, I researched it (to a certain extent, I didn't want to over do it), applied, and received the acceptance email soon after. I went in with an open mind and heart, ready to embrace whatever came my way. It reminded me that the teacher truly does appear when the student is ready.

Since completing the course, I’ve noticed significant changes. I’m less reactive and better able to reflect in stillness and silence. I’ve learned to prioritize time for myself—sometimes at 5 a.m. in a quiet house, other times on a nature trail. I even find small moments of stillness throughout the day. These moments anchor me in presence and peace. The more I practice, the more I realize the benefits, and the more I want to hold this time sacred.

I now understand that this practice is essential for me to function effectively, to show up as the best version of myself, and to foster creativity. We don’t need more time on emails or phones; we need more time in silence. I deserve it. You deserve it. We all deserve it.

I recently finished Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday, which reinforced everything I’m striving to incorporate in my life. The book highlights practices that help us stop reacting and start living fully. I highly recommend it if you haven’t already read it!

Just this past weekend, I had the chance to head north to my mom’s cozy cabin—no power, no water, just the sounds of nature. It was pure bliss. I had no agenda but to simply be and savor. I hiked, biked, walked along a quiet beach, did yoga, explored, and met some locals. Sometimes in this busy world, I forget to explore and play—things that bring me closer to my roots as a child and leave me feeling more peaceful than I’ve felt in a long time. I wish this for everyone. Even if a silent weekend camping trip isn’t for you, find what does bring you peace and go for it!

Each of these unique experiences instills in me a renewed sense of confidence and self, for which I am forever grateful. I am an adventurer at heart and will continue to seek out new and challenging experiences to fuel my growth. So, I’m curious… how do you cultivate silence in your busy lives? When we nurture stillness within ourselves, we not only transform our own lives but positively impact those around us. Has there been a time when silence brought you immense benefits?