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Rediscovering Quiet in a Busy World

Quiet feels elusive in a world filled with constant noise—especially for homeschooling moms juggling lesson plans, housework, and parenting. Yet, as Sarah Clarkson shared in a recent episode of The Feast Life podcast, quiet isn’t something we need to earn. It’s a gift, always available, that can transform our hearts, minds, and homes.

In this post, we’ll explore key insights from Sarah’s book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, and offer practical steps to rediscover the peace and power of quiet.

Why Quiet Matters

In our fast-paced culture, quiet is often treated as a luxury for the disciplined or introverted. But Sarah reframes it as a necessity for everyone—a sacred space where we can reconnect with God, our inner selves, and our deepest purposes.

Quiet isn’t about the absence of noise; it’s about creating moments of holy attention. As Sarah explains, “Quiet is not something you earn; it’s already given. It’s an invitation to return to God and yourself.”

Creating Quiet in the Chaos

Homeschool moms know all too well how hard it is to find quiet amidst the endless needs of family life. But as Sarah and Julie discussed, even brief moments of intentional stillness can bring lasting peace. Here are a few strategies:

1. Morning and Evening Anchors:
   

• Begin and end your day with short rituals—two minutes of prayer, reflection, or even reading a meaningful quote. These moments ground your day in purpose and peace.

2. Spacious Living:
   

• Create unhurried time for your children to explore, play, and imagine. This not only fosters their creativity but also models the value of a slower, more intentional life.

3. A Kitchen Table in Your Heart:
   

• Sarah describes an inner “kitchen table” where God waits to meet us. Visualizing this helps make quiet feel accessible, even in the busiest seasons.

Facing Ourselves in Quiet

Quiet can feel daunting because it often confronts us with our fears, failures, and unmet desires. But as Sarah reminds us, the second person we meet in the quiet is God—the source of love and healing.

Refusing to face our inner struggles doesn’t make them disappear; it allows them to shape us in unseen ways. By embracing quiet, we create space for God’s light to shine into our darkness.

The Connection Between Imagination and Quiet

Quiet is fertile ground for creativity and imagination. Sarah credits her homeschooling upbringing with providing the spaciousness to dream, explore, and create.

As adults, we need quiet for the same reasons. Whether through reading, walks in nature, or journaling, quiet nurtures our capacity to hope, create, and heal.

Practical First Steps to Quiet

Feeling inspired but unsure where to start? Try these simple steps:

• Morning Pause: Begin your day with a short prayer, such as, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This frames your day in peace and purpose.
• Evening Reflection: End your day with gratitude or read a few pages of a novel to center your mind.
• Nature Walks: Take time, alone or with your children, to explore the outdoors and let nature’s beauty reset your spirit.

Final Thoughts

Quiet isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the space where we reconnect with God, ourselves, and the beauty around us. As Sarah Clarkson beautifully puts it, “At the heart of quiet is love.”

Let’s reclaim quiet as a daily practice—one small step at a time.

About our Guest: 

Sarah Clarkson is a writer exploring the realms of beauty and quiet, suffering and imagination. She's the author of seven books, including the recently released Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. She studied theology (B.Th, MSt in modern doctrine) at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and lives in an old vicarage with her Anglican priest husband and four small children. You can find her writing regularly at her Substack, From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com), on Instagram at @sarahwanders, or discover her books at sarahclarkson.com

Connect with Sarah Clarkson: 

• Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention by Sarah Clarkson
• Sarah’s website: sarahclarkson.com
• Instagram: @sarahwanders
• Sarah’s Substack: sarahclarkson.substack.com