How do we train ourselves to turn within while at the same time tune out? How might we become skilled artists of stillness? Begin by reducing the amount of noise that you choose to listen to. In addition to all of our own thoughts, we're exposed to an average of 1500 advertising messages a day. Think about that for a moment...with that many thoughts vying for our attention, it's understandable that a majority of us might feel overwhelmed by all the noise. I don't know about you, but I get quite cranky when my crap filter doesn't do its job and starts letting things in that don't serve me. You know, as well as I do, what feeds you and what fools you. You know when you're listening to noise that makes you feel good and when you're not. I think that's the surest way to differentiate 'the rush and noise of life.' If it feels good, feel it. If it doesn't, let it go. Sounds simple, but it is oh-so true. Back to that road trip of mine for a second...

A serene place between Spokane and Portland

After driving through lush green hills and watching wisps of clouds make white lizards against the blue sky, I saw the first signs of a city approaching. Roadside advertisements for every fast-food chain you can think of. Neon lights, corporate slogans and huge billboards with smiling faces. I started thinking I should stop and shop. I saw the familiar sign of Colonel Sanders and found myself wanting chicken and coleslaw even though I wasn't hungry. I was suddenly aware how easy it is to be swayed by whatever it is we pay attention to even when we don't want it.

And then, out of the corner of my eye, something else caused my head to turn and I caught the billboard's message just before my car passed it. It was a black billboard with white lettering and all it said was, "I love you and you and you and you..." -God. And then the tears came. I tried to figure out why I was so overcome with emotion, but then I let that thought go and just tuned in to how I felt. And for several miles after I passed that sign, the noise weighed a lot less because I listened to what made me feel good.

Five Noisy Nuisances

1) The television.
If you can't give up this time-sucking media monster altogether, consider reducing the amount of time you tune out in front of the tube. Yes, I realize there may be some "good" programs, but remember that your life is much more interesting than watching someone else's on a screen.

2) The newspaper.
When was the last time you read a front page and felt inspired by what the editors deemed newsworthy? Forget the headlines and forage for the feel-good stories.

3) Energy Vampires.
You know the people in your life that make you feel good being around and those that don't. No one else but you decides how much time you spend with them. Choose whose noise you want to hear other than your own. Let them know what you can and cannot listen to.

4) Your ego.
By far, the loudest and heaviest noise is made by that part of you that encourages you to believe that you're less than who you really are. Fear-based thinking is noisy. Heart-centered feelings are not.

5) Your choice.
Eliminate or reduce whatever it is in your life that you know is too noisy. It might be a stack of papers in your office. It might be a few extra pounds. It might be a not-so-healthy habit. More than likely it's something you've grown accustomed to, but you still think about making a change. Don't let it weigh on you any longer.

It's not the easiest thing to do in our fast-paced world to pause and be still. It's a given that noise will always be around us and within us. However, know this...in each and every moment, we can choose what we want to listen to. Turn up the volume on what makes you feel good in your life and I promise you the noise won't be loud. Practice listening well and you'll hear only the softest, sweetest sounds. No five hour road trips required!

Speaking of things online...I'm currently working on creating a distinct book and platform-building blog with Wordpress. I'll continue to post on my two other blogs, but I've decided that my book-writing journey needs a home of its own. Next month I'll be unveiling the book's title as well as its accompanying blog so stay tuned. I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't have it ready to show you this month, but May 21st and the next issue of Lighten Up will be here soon enough.

Here's an important reminder for anyone out there who also publishes a newsletter that promotes their services: Make sure you proofread your offer many times. My big goof the past couple of months is that I've mentioned my Truth Line (a toll-free number where you can leave a message and speak whatever is on your mind and in your heart anonymously) is up and running and yet I gave out the wrong number. I'm lucky to have a couple of readers write and inform me that I was one digit off. Thanks for letting me know I made a mistake. So here is the correct number 1-866-928-7884 (1-866-Y B TRUTH) with my apologies if you tried to call and wondered why it wasn't connecting. If you're calling outside the United States, I'm sorry to say that the phone company I'm using doesn't accept international calls. Bugger that. Every Tuesday, I leave a different recorded message with a question you can answer or feel free to share a personal story if you'd like. Give it a whirl. It's good to let things out and not have anyone talk back.

How much noise do you listen to that nourishes you?

What can you do this week to eliminate or reduce the amount of nonsense noise in your life?

Care to share what these questions stir up in you?

Send me an e-mail. I welcome your thoughts and will respond to all e-mails received.

~Playful Spirit's mission is to inspire people to show up, be real and play big in life.~