This morning I awoke after pressing snooze on my alarm too many times to count. I rolled out of bed, took a hot shower and made coffee- but it didn't take long for today’s impending schedule to stifle my peaceful morning. I know the routine all too well- class, work, study, and socializing when I get the chance. I had only been awake for ten minutes and my mind was already foggy with the thought of conquering another day. Tuesdays are usually my busy day, but today was different. This morning was different. I had two hours until my first commitment.
So, I sat.
I sat on my favorite comfy chair in the corner of my room. I sat for two hours as I read and wrote and opened my bible. I sat alone with my laptop closed, my phone further than an arm’s length away. I sat as I sifted through thoughts that had been pushed to the back of my mind- as I do so often with things I don’t have the energy process. I sat thankful and joyful. I sat alone. I sat for a while.
I had a conversation this afternoon with my roommate, Anna, about time alone and what it should look like in our lives compared to what society considers acceptable. We were talking about the sacredness of time alone when she said something that carries so much weight within me- "we don't know how to be still." And she has a point. It's true. I forget how to be still all the time. My phone is usually glued to my palm and I prioritize time with people over time with myself because I love being in the presence of friends. But we dwell in a society where stillness is endangered. We fill our free time with conversation and stimulation and if we aren't careful, stillness will become extinct.
In high school, fear of missing out crippled my ability to be alone. And if I’m being honest, sometimes it still does. No one wants to miss out on the action of life, and in college, it is challenging to ignore the fact that there is always something to do. It is hard to admit that my introvert tendencies are dominating my extrovert norm- but I have learned recently that time alone, stillness, is necessary for me to thrive.
Today was the perfect reminder of that.
In high school, fear of missing out crippled my ability to be alone. And if I’m being honest, sometimes it still does. No one wants to miss out on the action of life, and in college, it is challenging to ignore the fact that there is always something to do. It is hard to admit that my introvert tendencies are dominating my extrovert norm- but I have learned recently that time alone, stillness, is necessary for me to thrive.
Today was the perfect reminder of that.
Community is so good. Friends are great.
Companionship is a gift in this life.
But I promise time alone is scared and beautiful and peaceful.
It is the recharge we need to get through these hectic days that fill our time on earth.
Cling to the stillness in your day, friends!
