NOISE
Let’s remember how to quiet the noise. The United States Presidential Election is five days away, and I live in a swing state.
I can’t escape the NOISE.
I am surrounded and feeling anxious.
My mailbox? Political flyers
My phone? Recorded election messages
Social media? Friends hoping to change my mind
Autumn drive? Giant billboards and lawn signs
TV/streaming? Endless commercials
Time with friends? More debate
I understand the importance of my vote. I figured the noise and my anxiousness were normal. With big decisions in life, it’s naturally hard to quiet the feelings and find the facts.
And then, I remembered:
I know how to quiet the NOISE and stop the anxious feelings. My friend, Kevin, taught me.
I know how to quiet the NOISE and stop the anxious feelings.
My friend, Kevin, taught me.
The last time I visited Kevin, he greeted me with a hug and a smile as soon as I pulled into the driveway of his wilderness sanctuary.
“What did you have in mind for this visit?”
I answered: Nothing. I have no agenda.
Kevin’s skills as a Master Facilitator had grown over the years. My words sounded nice, but we both knew that declaring no agenda is the same as having an agenda.
Kevin’s directive was delivered with a smooth, even tone:
“How about we don’t go anywhere yet?”
Kevin leaned back on my dirty car and took a breath. On his exhale, he asked:
“What do you hear?”
I answered: Noise. Birds. Construction trucks. Monkey chatter. Buzzing. Nature is really loud.
Kevin responded with his A game.
“Do you remember that the animals here reflect what you are feeling inside?”
Yes.
“It is not just the animals. It is all of nature. Take some time to calm yourself.”
I leaned back against the car and took in a deep breath. I closed my eyes, wiggled my toes, and felt the earth’s energy. I exhaled loudly. I let the moment be.
I don’t know how long it was before Kevin asked,
“What do you hear now?”
Quiet.
We both laughed. No more noise.
Let’s remember how to quiet the noise together – especially when we are feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
