Being "empty" doesn't mean having nothing. It means having space for what truly matters.
Do you feel overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
Are you in search of inner calm and peace?
Have you tried various methods but nothing seems to work?
Try emptiness.
Yes, you've read that right.
Eastern philosophy teaches that emptiness is not something to be feared. But rather embraced.
Now, don't get scared by the name.
It's not about being alone or having nothing. It's about making room for peace and calm in our busy lives.
Incorporating emptiness into your daily routine can help you find the clarity and calm you seek.
So, let's explore 9 easy ways to bring some emptiness into your daily routine to finally feel that inner calm.
(And all of that even without changing your lifestyle.)
1. Morning Mindfulness
Start your day with a calm and clear mind.
Upon waking – instead of immediately reaching for your phone or thinking about your to-do list – sit quietly for a few moments.
Visualize your mind as an empty garden, ready to be filled with experiences and thoughts.
This practice of mindfulness helps you start your day from a place of peace.
2. Breathe-in, Breathe-out
Deep breathing is a powerful tool for calming the mind.
Find small moments in your day to practice deep breathing (e.g., while waiting for your coffee to brew. Or before starting a new task).
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in.
Hold it for three seconds.
Then exhale slowly.
Repeat this a few times. Focusing on the rise and fall of your chest.
Take a moment and feel the change in your mind and body after those few breaths.
Did it help clear your mind and bring a sense of calm?
3. Eat with Attention
Eating mindfully means fully engaging with the experience of eating.
Pay attention to the texture, taste, and aroma of the food.
Chew slowly.
Savoring each bite.
This practice not only enhances the enjoyment of eating.
But also allows your mind to focus on one thing at a time.
Creating a sense of calm.
4. Walk in Nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Try to make time for a short walk outside each day.
As you walk, pay attention to your surroundings.
The sound of birds chirping.
The feel of the wind against your skin.
The smell of fresh air.
Observe what happens.
Did this mindful walking practice help clear your mind and create a sense of inner peace?
5. Declutter Your Space
A clutter-free environment promotes a clutter-free mind.
Spend some time each week decluttering your living or working space.
Get rid of items you no longer need or use. And organize the remaining items in a way that makes sense to you.
This practice of decluttering can help create a peaceful environment that reflects onto your mind.
6. Listen More, Speak Less
Listening attentively to others not only improves your relationships. But also allows your mind to focus and rest.
When in conversation, try to listen more and speak less.
Pay close attention to the other person's words. Without planning your response.
This practice can create a space of calm within your mind.
7. Embrace Boredom
In our society, we often try to fill every moment with activity.
But:
Boredom can be a wonderful opportunity for reflection and relaxation.
Next time you're bored, instead of grabbing your phone or flipping on the TV, just sit quietly and pay attention to your thoughts.
Embrace this moment of emptiness as a chance to rest and recharge.
8. Mindful Moments
Find small moments in your day to practice mindfulness.
This could be while brushing your teeth.
Washing the dishes.
Or petting your dog.
During these moments, focus fully on the task at hand. Paying attention to the sensations and experiences it brings.
And observe what happens within you.
These mindful moments can act as islands of calm in your busy day.
9. Gratitude Before Bed
End your day on a positive note by practicing gratitude.
Before going to bed, think of three things you're grateful for that day.
This practice not only fills your mind with positive thoughts. But also helps clear your mind of worries and stress. Allowing you to wake up with a calm and peaceful mind the next day.
TL;DR
- Morning Mindfulness
- Breathe-in, Breathe-out
- Eat with Attention
- Walk in Nature
- Declutter Your Space
- Listen More, Speak Less
- Embrace Boredom
- Mindful Moments
- Gratitude Before Bed
These practices are all about creating space in your life for peace and calm.
Remember:
Being "empty" doesn't mean having nothing.
It means having space for what truly matters.
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