Written by: Vance Twins, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Feeling overwhelmed? Left out? Or imprisoned with TMI? Use it for your benefit. We all need a little quiet time. Ousted and alone? I like to use this time to my advantage. My first response has been to take time to reflect on the circumstances via meditation. Meditation opens the door to a place where all of humanity is connected. I share many ideas on how to silence the mind and the benefits in the book The Power of Isolation. In fact, the most effective way to accomplish personal goals can be by reserving time to silence the mind.
There's Power in Silence:
Sometimes we end up ignored and isolated without any fault of our own. Sometimes we are forced into loneliness, and before we know what has happened, we face the world without friends or confidants. This loss can be heartbreaking, especially when we see what seems like everyone else enjoying each other's company, being liked, and liking others all around us. We might wonder, "why they don’t like me as much as they like someone else?"
Most books focus on how to be popular, how to gain a bigger following, and how to win the most fans. That's great and all, but there are some of us who find it difficult ‒ even painful ‒ to play such a popularity contest. Maybe we just don't have the energy, or maybe we don't want to put ourselves out there to be publicly scrutinized. Maybe we are simply too old to play man's game by man's rules, or we are old souls, plain and simple.
1. Take a short break from it all.
Why not use the alone time for private time, self-reflection and rejuvenation? That's the best time to hit the reset button! The good news is that there is an alternative to all that noise from the social media hoopla and whatnot. We can turn the noise down or off if we so please. Doesn't mean permanently ‒ just until we can collect our (own) thoughts. I like to use quiet time, as they say, to find my true self. After finding that authentic self, I can better decide the next step.
2. Take a meditative walk in nature.
There was a time in my writing life when it was almost impossible to get up out of bed just to go get the mail at the end of the neighborhood street. I knew I had everything I needed (and more) and wanted, but I felt drained and bogged at the same time. Before I learned about the beauty of my origin (and instead believed what society told me about who I was), I felt isolated. If you experience the same type of doubt or depletion, it's just a phase, and it can be worked through.
Walking in nature while under the influence of meditation is one way to remove ourselves from the slump, as well. Ironically, the more we are removed from nature (or our natural self), the more we experience feelings of defeat. Modern civilization has removed us from our innate power, but spending time in silence can bring us back in connection. This is why silence can be golden. The serenity allows each individual the opportunity to trust in oneself. When we are bombarded with the noise of others, it can be difficult to hear the voice of the authentic self.
3. Focus on exactly what needs to get done.
After more than twenty years of silent time, I enjoy discerning which thoughts arise from my knee-jerk reaction versus the greater consciousness, and because of this, I can better curb myself from taking unnecessary actions and instead focus on what exactly needs to get done. From a place of silence, you'll be able to determine your priorities without being influenced by those who might try to force you to comply with their wishes and desires.
4. Use your imagination to visualize a special location.
I like to silence my mind whenever possible. Tranquility gives me time to organize my thoughts and align with my authentic self. This sets me apart from the materialism or criticisms of the mainstream. It allows me to confidently and independently stay aware of my connectedness with the way of nature, otherwise known as all-that-is. I look for the feeling of harmony with nature and others and try to release anything that troubles me or weighs on my mind. I am better able to stay neutral on hot topics and see from a stance of truth and solidarity.
I can recognize my ego's reaction versus my innate neutral response. When I use my imagination or visualize, a special location, sometimes the whole room might light up in my mind's eye, and it'll causes me to jump back a little. I feel as if I have time-traveled to another time and place. Visions pass me by like dreams, an idea pops up, or I might imagine something. I am truly present. I like to utilize silence to write purposefully, automatically, or to interpret my dreams. I recognize two identities within myself: the egoic one (trying to survive) and the one steeped in the universal oneness belonging to us all.
5. Unburden Yourself. Accept yourself. You are enough.
As humans, we can only do so much. In order to keep the peace, I try not to burden myself with more than I can handle. We are not responsible for solving the problems of the world. We are only liable for whatever issues and concerns we are closest to (from wherever we are planted) based on personal knowledge and skills. Sometimes just surviving ‒ merely getting out of bed ‒ is enough for the day. That could be the stepping stone to going outside and getting the mail, which gives us the opportunity to smile at someone as we walk past. Maybe a smile is all we need to do for the day, resulting in a better day for someone else.
Take each day as it comes. Eventually, when we add it all up, we see that we have accomplished much. We have accomplished whatever we have been called to do merely by getting out of bed in the morning. Accept yourself for who you are. If you only got up to get the mail, pat yourself on the back. Put yourself in high regard. If you've said "hi" to someone on the way to the mailbox, you've contributed in a positive way. You've done enough for the day. Sometimes isolation is a good thing. Use the silence to rejuvenate and tomorrow will be a better day.
Vance Twins, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Rev. Dr. Janine, Philosophy, is a book doctor, feature-length screenwriter, and international award-winning author of many books, including Twins Found in a Box, Search for Mother Missing, Going Back to Zen, and Power of Isolation. She also consults entrepreneurs on story development and guides clients through the process of publishing their books worldwide.
Jenette, a Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant and Life Coach, was trained in Integrated Psychology and Applied Neuroscience. Jenette became a Reiki Master under the direct lineage of Master Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki. She enjoys helping people learn about Reiki and develop personalized meditations catered to their needs.
The Vance twins have each worked in their field of expertise for more than twenty-five years. They recently joined forces to provide personalized guided meditations and host write-for-your-life retreats for busy people.
