EP.18: Finding Peace in Our Busy World Through Stillness

The world is constantly buzzing, vying for our attention. It’s hard to know what we think and sometimes even harder to remember who we are in the midst of it all.

In this episode, I’m re-introducing you to a practice that literally saved my life a few years back. I went from being busy, overwhelmed, and overscheduled, to intentionally choosing stillness as a way to regroup and recenter my priorities.

In this process of being still, I am able to remember who I am and what I want out of this one precious life. And I want to help you do the same.

Let’s dive in!

Hi Friends! Thank you for joining me today. 

As you may have noticed, I’ve been away from the podcast for the last year or so. My first season was a complete experiment – I was wondering if podcasting was something I’d like, something I’d stick with, and something I could see doing for multiple seasons … and I knew after the first few episodes I was onto something, but life and kiddos and a handful of other things took priority after I’d recorded the first 17 episodes. So last summer I made a conscious decision to pause the podcast until I was ready to come back in the way that I wanted to.

That said … Welcome to Season 2! I’ve been excited about this new season all summer. And I have some fun new surprises in store for you. A FREE mini course is in the works to help you jumpstart your journaling practice and I’m FINALLY opening the doors to my online Zoom community coming this October 2024!

This community has been on my heart for a while now – I’ve toyed with every iteration I could come up with – everything from meeting in person in my home, or hosting live retreats once or twice a year … But, after a lot of prayer and contemplation, I’ve finally settled on the idea of an online community for several reasons. 

First, online means more women will have access to join because they can do so from anywhere in the world and in the comfort of their own homes. 

Second, it decreases the cost to you. 

And third, so many of my own “real life” friends and acquaintances started as online friendships. 

Sometimes it’s just too hard to make the time for a conference or even an in-person meet-up once a week. But setting aside an hour a week where you can show up in your pj’s in front of your computer screen? That’s my jam.

There is power in connecting with other like-minded women. Especially if you’re all on a similar journey of self-discovery. In that same respect, I’ve embarked on plenty of transformation and change over the last 20 years of my life and there’s one thing I know for sure … I am far more likely to get where I want to go and have way more fun doing it when I’m not operating alone. 

So, if you’ve been interested in journaling, stillness, and a deeper connection to God. Or if you’re just curious about it all, I’ll have more information in the coming episodes with details on how to join. 

I even have a special offer for anyone who joins the first time I open the doors – with a “founding member” price that won’t change for the lifetime of your membership, as long as you remain a member.

As I was thinking about what this online community could be – I wanted to combine the best of each of the “group” or “community” experiences I’ve personally been a part of, into one place. I would describe this community as one part writing circle (as we fill in our journals live), one part book club (as we learn and grow together), one part class (as I share my knowledge and experience of how to move your life in a forward direction with God at your side), and one part group coaching/conference (as you will have access to get live coaching from me during our calls). 

More than anything, within the community, I hope you will find inspiration, encouragement, friendship, and connection in a safe and sacred space to share your heart. 

And with that … Let’s dive into the topic I believe can truly change your life: finding peace in our busy world using the “Be Still” practice.

It’s funny. We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing, isn’t it? Our phones ping with notifications, our to-do lists seem never-ending, and sometimes it feels like we’re running on a hamster wheel that just won’t stop. If that sounds familiar, I’ve been there.

I remember a time in my life when I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle that I couldn’t even hear my own thoughts. I was a mom to two young kids, trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between. I felt like I was drowning in responsibilities, and to be honest, I was losing myself rapidly in the process.

But here’s the thing: in the midst of all that chaos, I discovered something beautiful. Something that changed everything for me. And that’s what I want to share with you today – the transformative power of stillness.

I’ve talked about this before. How the stillness changed my life. But the other day I was reading back from a journal notebook I found from 2017. In it, I wrote about the incredibly loud and negative voices in my head, who told me all the time that I was failing at life. I’d forget to sign a school form and I’d berate myself. I’d fall behind on the laundry and tell myself my kids were never going to forgive me for running out of underwear.

Needless to say, I was really, really hard on myself. But no one on the outside of my brain – not my friends, not my mom … no one, could tell me it was okay. I could hear them logically, but I did not feel okay on the inside.

As I read this journal entry the other day, there was one line that stood out to me. It was this. I wrote, “I’ve been looking to and wishing for external things – i.e. time, more energy, a better plan for each week’s tasks … But what I really crave only lies within.” 

Right then and there in my journal, I can see the switch happening for me in real-time. I decide in that moment, I need to master where I am and who I’m being where I am, instead of longing to be somewhere else. And I ask myself a beautiful question, “What would it look like to show up as all of me … right now?” Not in the future, not next week, but right now.

And when I realized I wasn’t sure exactly how to go about being all of me in the present rather than wishing to be farther along than I was I had an epiphany. I wrote in my journal that I,  “commit to writing every day and sharing my coffee with God every morning.” 

What I find interesting about this tiny section in the middle of a page on some random day in October of 2017, is that there was no fanfare. Something just clicked. And from that moment, I remembered to keep my commitment. It wasn’t perfect in the beginning. I didn’t set aside (or get to set aside time) every single morning of the week. But I did it as often as I could. Not IF I had time. But WHEN I consciously made the time. 

That meant sometimes I was up before the sun and the kids and the hustle and bustle of school drop off. And other times it meant I would go through the car line at school drop-off and come home to a quiet empty house and sit with my journal first. Before starting whatever task was calling my name on that particular day.

After about a month of intentionally finding pockets of stillness to steal away and write words on a page – to God – I realized I was getting more done, not less. Giving myself time and space to sit still, let my mind wander, talk to God about topics on my heart, and write down my thoughts, actually free’d up mental space and energy to better execute the remaining tasks on my list.

I felt more productive while simultaneously finding more time to just be. It was totally counterintuitive, but it worked!

Looking back now, I can clearly see that as the true beginning of my stillness and journaling practice. I’d kept a journal off and on through my teen years and some in my early adulthood. And I prayed, rather inconsistently. But this was different. It was the combination of sitting in the quiet, mixed with heartfelt conversations with God, and then capturing them all in my journal that moved the needle the most in my life.

I could feel a shift – in my heart, my mindset, and the way I was showing up in the world. I was starting to feel more like me. Not the me who always felt behind, but the me who was emerging as the woman she’d wanted to show up as for a really long while.

Here’s what I want to say about this. This may not resonate … yet. It may be too far outside of your comfort zone to find time for you first. And let’s be really honest … it may not sit well with your family either. Especially if your spouse or significant other and/or your kids, pets, colleagues, etc. are used to having access to you 24/7 without boundaries.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s not impossible. You may need to start with 2 or 3 times per week. Or sneaking off into your closet or parked car to take the time. You will eventually get up the confidence to set the boundaries with your family, friends, and colleagues. And the more you do it, the easier it will become. I promise.

Taking time to be still makes you more productive, more centered, and more at peace.

The “Be Still” practice is all about creating intentional space in your life for quiet reflection, connection with God, and deep self-discovery. It’s about pressing pause on the chaos of life and tuning into the whispers of your heart and soul.

You may be wondering at this point how to start. And it’s as simple as what I did back in 2017. It all starts with a commitment. A commitment to yourself, to your well-being, and to your relationship with God. It’s about carving out a little slice of time each day – even if it’s just 10 minutes – to sit in stillness, to breathe, and to listen.

You don’t even have to bring a journal to your time the first handful of times you try this. Just sit still. Without judgment. Let your mind wander. There’s no need to force yourself into some official mantra or meditation. Just listen. That’s your only job.  

I want you to picture something with me for a moment. Imagine you’re standing in a room full of people, and everyone is talking at once. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and you can barely hear yourself think. That’s kind of what our minds can feel like sometimes, right? Or maybe even most of the time, if you’re anything like me. 

But now imagine everyone in that room suddenly goes quiet. In that silence, you can finally hear your own voice. You can hear the things your heart has been trying to tell you all along.

That’s what the “Be Still” practice does. It quiets the noise so you can hear the wisdom that’s already within you. And let me tell you, my friends, that wisdom is pure gold.

But here’s the beautiful part – this practice isn’t just about you and your thoughts. It’s about creating space for God to speak into your life. It’s about deepening your connection with the divine and allowing that connection to guide you.

I remember the first time I really experienced this. It was actually in 2014 – long before I committed to the practice fully. I felt like I was in a desperate place after we’d moved to Phoenix with our two tiny girls. We didn’t know a soul and I cried. A lot. 

Every day I woke up feeling overwhelmed and lost. I had been going through the motions of my “Be Still” practice for a few weeks, searching for something, anything that would make me feel better. But then this one day was different. As I sat there, eyes closed, just breathing, I felt a sense of peace wash over me that I can’t even describe. It was like a warm blanket of love and acceptance. And in that moment, I heard a gentle whisper in my heart, “I’ve got you. You’re exactly where you need to be.”

Let me tell you, that moment changed everything for me. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I realized that I didn’t have to have it all figured out. I just needed to show up, be still, and trust.

I know this might sound a little bit out there to some of you, and that’s okay. The beauty of this practice is that it meets you wherever you are. Whether you’re deeply faithful or just curious about finding more peace in your life, this “Be Still” practice has something to offer you.

So, how do you get started? Well, it’s simpler than you might think. Here are a few practical steps:

1. Choose a quiet space: Find a spot in your home where you can be undisturbed for a few minutes each day. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a corner of your bedroom, a comfy chair, or even your back porch can work.

2. Set aside time: Start small. Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference. The key is consistency.

3. Get comfortable: Sit or lie down in a position that feels good to you. Close your eyes if that helps you focus.

4. Breathe: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This helps signal to your body and mind that it’s time to slow down.

5. Be present: Notice your thoughts without judgment. Let them come and go like clouds passing in the sky.

6. Listen: Open your heart to hear from God. This might feel strange at first, and that’s okay. Just be open to whatever comes up. You might even whisper to gently invite him in, “I’m here God. I’m listening.”

7. Journal: (This one is a bonus) After your quiet time, jot down any thoughts, feelings, or insights you had. This helps solidify the experience and gives you something to reflect on later.

Remember, this is a practice. It’s not about perfection. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s completely normal. The key is to keep showing up, day after day, and watch how it transforms your life over time.

You know, as women … especially in our 40’s and 50’s, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. Maybe our kids are growing up and we’re wondering, “Who am I beyond being a mom?” Maybe we’re considering a career change and thinking, “Is it too late to start something new?” Or perhaps we’re just feeling a general sense of, “Is this all there is?”

These questions are totally normal. In fact, these questions are actually beautiful invitations to go deeper, to rediscover ourselves, and to connect with our true purpose. And the “Be Still” practice is a powerful tool to help us navigate these midlife transitions with grace and intention.

As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought: You are worthy of peace. You are worthy of connection. You are worthy of a life that feels meaningful and purposeful. And it all starts with being still.

I invite you to give this practice a try. Start small, be patient with yourself, and see what unfolds. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. We’re in this together, supporting and encouraging each other every step of the way.

If you’re feeling inspired to dive deeper into this practice, I can’t wait to invite you to check out our Be Still With Bobbi community. If you want to be the first to learn about it, please make sure I’ve got your email. You can visit my website at www.bestillwithbobbi.com to download a copy of my “Journaling 10 in 10.” 

It’s a workbook I designed to jumpstart your journaling journey. And it’s FREE! 

Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, remember: in the stillness, you’ll find your strength and purpose and the truest version of yourself. 

Bye for now.