This post is the seventeenth in a blog series where I’m exploring various aspects of INSPIRATION. When I chose INSPIRATION as my word for this year, my first thoughts were about finding, acting on and (in some cases) limiting INSPIRATION.
I also knew I wanted this word to motivate me not only in my
scrapbooking and crafting but also in my physical, spiritual and
intellectual goals. During my FUN year last year, I published a two-week
series entitled Where Does My Inspiration Come From?, which looked at the many different sources of INSPIRATION
specifically for scrapbook layouts. However, in this series, I’ll be
sharing a word for each letter of the alphabet (from A to Z) that relates to INSPIRATION along with my random and in-depth thoughts on that word and the various ways it relates to INSPIRATION in our lives.
Q is for Quiet
Quiet is defined as "making little or no noise" or "free from disturbance or tumult." It can also be defined as "being at rest" or "refraining from activity."
I personally enjoy Quiet and find that INSPIRATION comes more easily when I'm in a Quiet space. That's not to say that I don't enjoy noise sometimes. I like to have Christmas music playing in the background while we decorate the Christmas tree or I'm preparing a pecan pie. Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite activities while driving or working on scrapbook layouts. However, most of the time when I'm working or puttering around the house, I prefer Quiet. The absence (or minimal amount) of noise allows me to better focus on the task at hand, whether that's paying bills, reading a book, or reorganizing a closet.
A couple of years ago, I read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, an interesting read about introverts and how they impact our world. (Check out my review of the book HERE.) I've always considered myself an extrovert, however I could relate to the need to have alone Quiet time after spending time with groups of people and feeling drained of energy. Maybe there's a little introvert mixed up in all that extrovertedness. (Yes, I did just make that word up!)
For me, Quiet time is especially important for spiritual growth, a time for INSPIRATION from the Lord, a time for renewal and preparation for everything else that life brings. I recently added a goals tip-in to my journaling Bible listing three important goals in my life, the first one being daily Quiet time!
Of course, I totally understand that Quiet does not necessarily provide INSPIRATION for everyone. I know individuals who have the TV going as background noise all day long and are extremely productive. Others can have music coming through their earbuds while they complete their work, and some people need the busyness (and noisiness) of life going on around them in order to create.
In summary, Quiet can provide an environment that welcomes INSPIRATION and productivity.
When do you most prefer a Quiet environment? Please share your thoughts on Quiet and INSPIRATION in the comments.
Click HERE to see all my INSPIRATION A-Z posts, or click a letter below to see individual posts.
Like you I need my quiet time. I've never been able to read and have music or the television on in the background, as I like to absorb myself in my reading
ReplyDeleteI work in a quiet studio almost all the time. My son can't understand it. He loves to have music on in the background, but I prefer the solitude. Maybe it's from years of being with noisy elementary kids all day.
ReplyDeleteI need quiet for much of my work (can't write content with lyrics also in my head), but then also like energetic music when I'm data entering or dealing with accounts.
ReplyDeleteKeep meaning to tell you - the idea of adding in tabs for the books of the bible is on my list for my holiday crafting time. Such a sensible idea - why didn't I think of that? Why didn't it come with that? ;)