5 ways to create silence and access a deeper part of yourself

1. Go for a walkIf exercise is the most under-utilized anti-depressant, then walking is its distant cousin. Cell

phones and online commerce have sounded the death knell for walking, that most singular of pleasures in urban life. Go for an unscheduled, uncharted walk every day for 30 minutes.

Walking clarifies the mind and brings us closer to ourselves.

2. Sleep under the starsPitch a tent on your terrace. You can spot all major constellations. Sometimes, if you’re lucky

you may even spot a meteor. Contemplating the immensity of space is a great way to feel tranquil and neutralize the continuous chatter of our minds.

3. Take a hikeFor true nature lovers, there’s nothing like a hike through woods and river beds. Try a new trail

each time. Take breaks to listen to the birds. Enjoy the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Hiking is a great way to be calm and gain a new perspective on complex issues.

4. Create like Diane Arbus or Ansel Adams Hobbies help us feel anchored and connected to the deepest part of ourselves. If you’re a

photography person, then the outdoors always offers up some interesting scenes to capture. From the beautiful colour palette of leaves to people in your neighbourhood, you can take

several interesting photos and then weave them all into an interesting photo essay.

5. Ride a bikeCycling is one of the forgotten joys of childhood. There’s nothing quite as calming as taking a

scenic route on a bicycle. Before you head out, be sure you carry enough water and food should you get lost along the way. And, of course, absorb the silence of still fields where few people to

visit and where civilization has not yet reared its ugly head.

Amanvana is beautiful during this season. It’s the perfect place to get inspired to cycle, hike or just pen a poem. So if you’ve been thinking about recapturing your love of the great outdoors this winter, the rabbit hole will provide you with a lot of quietly magical settings. It’s a great way to find and keep

that deepest part of your self, the part that gets lost in the demands of city life!