By Remez Sasson

There is so much constant noise around us caused by people talking, the TV and radio screaming, music from MP3 devices, people using their cellular phones, cars and other sources of noise. There are so many things that attract and distract our attention, taking a lot of our time, energy and attention, leading to tiredness and exhaustion. All this leads people to desire some peace and quiet, but though it might look strange, people often avoid quietude, and dread a quiet environment, preferring the noise, the constant activity, and hustle and bustle of daily life. They do their best to avoid any moments of quietude, of being with themselves, feeling uneasy in such situations.

Many people prefer to be in the company of other people most of the time. When alone they want to watch the TV, listen to the radio or their MP3. They just can’t bear to be alone with their thoughts. They need to hear people talking, and they need to talk. Are you one of them? Are you always busy listening to the news, reading the papers, paying attention to what people say about you, so much so that you have eventually failed to enjoy a few quiet moments with yourself?

Focusing your attention, mind and senses on the outside, alienates you from your inner self, from the most important part of you. This leads to stress, tension, resentment and unhappiness. You are more than your physical, more than your personality, and you are starving this inner part in you when you constantly seek noise, and seek to engage your mind and senses in what is going around you. This makes you forget your true needs and your true essence.

Cultivating inner peace doesn’t living a boring uninteresting life. It doesn’t mean lack of interest in the external world and it doesn’t mean becoming less alive, less creative and less adventurous. On the contrary, you become happier, more aware, more alive. You can do anything you did before, but with a new perspective, new and improved viewpoint.

If you wish to reduce the stress, the strain and unhappiness in your live you need to cultivate inner peace.

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