ROCK thru to get more clarity in life
ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES
by Lee Havenga | October 24, 2024
I just spent three days backpacking a narrow trail with my sister. No internet, no mirrors, no endless to-do lists—just the trees, the sky, and my thoughts. People often ask why I go on these backpacking trips. My usual answer is, “I love being in the forest.” But this time, I realized a deeper reason: clarity. When distractions fade, and I’m left with just myself, the answers I’ve been searching for become clear.
In our fast-paced, overstimulated lives, clarity can feel almost impossible. The constant buzz of information, notifications, and daily demands pulls our focus in every direction. So, how do you get more clarity in life when everything around you is so noisy? With two Qs: Quiet and Questions.
In this Abundant Living article, we’ll dive into the ROCK thru principles of Ownership and Connection. By learning to own your need for distraction-free time and then connecting with yourself on a deeper level, you can tap into your own wisdom and get the clarity you need to move forward.
“The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective.”
― Mother Teresa
OWNERSHIP
Apply it
How Quiet Can Get You More Clarity in Life
When we’re stuck in a problem, feel overwhelmed, or stuck in a rut, our instinct is often to either overthink or do nothing at all. We replay the same worries, ask everyone for advice, or get lost in distractions like social media and Netflix. But the first step in learning how to get more clarity in life isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less. You need to take Ownership of your mental space by stepping away from the noise to get quiet.
Research shows that periods of quiet reflection can profoundly impact problem-solving and mental clarity. One study from 2020 found that taking distraction-free breaks can improve cognitive function, especially when it comes to tasks that require focused attention and creativity (Zabelina et al., 2020). Instead of spiraling deeper into confusion, allowing yourself to pause and reflect creates the mental space needed to find solutions.
In the book Clarity Field Guide by Benj Miller and Chris White, they emphasize the importance of a Clarity Break™—intentional time away from the distractions of daily life to think clearly and reflect on what matters. Whether in nature or away from your phone, taking regular Clarity Breaks™ is crucial for resetting your mind and gaining focus.
Apply it:
- Step away from distractions. Set aside at least 10 minutes each day to be silent—whether in a quiet room or a walk outside.
- Schedule quiet time. Block time in your calendar, just like you would for any other appointment, to focus on stillness and reflection.
- Turn off digital noise. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and stay away from screens during your quiet time to fully disconnect from external input.
- Embrace mindful breathing. Use simple breathing exercises to center yourself, creating mental space to listen to your thoughts without distraction.
By intentionally creating quiet space, you allow your mind to rest and reset, which is the first step toward finding clarity.
CONNECTION
Apply it
How Questions Can Get You More Clarity in Life
Once you’ve quieted the distractions, the next step is Connection—connecting to your inner wisdom by asking yourself the right questions. So often, we already know what we need to do but are afraid to face it, or we’re unsure how to act on our knowledge, so it’s easier to ignore the answer we know deep inside. By honestly asking yourself specific, guiding questions, you can release the clarity you’re seeking.
In Clarity Field Guide, Miller and White suggest a set of powerful questions that help you connect to your deeper thoughts and goals. These reflective questions can guide you toward the answers that no one else can give you but yourself.
Apply it:
- What am I afraid will happen?
- What would I do if fear wasn’t holding me back?
- What’s one small action I can take today to move forward?
- What do I really need right now?
- Is this a problem I need to solve, or do I need to let it go?
Answer questions like these questions honestly, without overthinking. By staying present and truthful with yourself, you’ll often realize that you already know what you need to do. The clarity comes when you allow yourself to see it without judgment or fear.
Since quiet Connection means you wont have your phone, download this printable list of over 40 guiding questions you can ask yourself.
Remember, the answers you’re seeking are already within – you just need the right space to let them surface. ROCK thru to get more clarity in life by taking Ownership of your mental space and making a deeper Connection with yourself.
XO~Lee
Sources:
Miller, Benj, and Chris White. Clarity Field Guide: The Answers No One Else Can Give You. Ethos Collective, 2020.
Zabelina, Darya, et al. “The Effects of Distraction-Free Environments on Cognitive Functioning.” Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, vol. 4, no. 3, 2020, pp. 200-215.
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