"También hay lugares tranquilos en la mente, pero construimos kioscos y fábricas sobre ellos deliberadamente para bloquearlos."

Sometimes, our minds have quiet spaces—calm, serene areas where peace resides naturally. But instead of cherishing those spots, we often clutter them with noise and distractions. It's like having a beautiful, tranquil garden and choosing to build loud factories on it. Why do we do that? Maybe it's because we're uncomfortable with silence or we've been conditioned to think constant activity is necessary.

Imagine this: it’s the early 20th century, a time of rapid industrialization. Cities are booming with factories, and there's a relentless push for progress. This quote could have come from someone observing society’s shift from calm, rural life to chaotic urban sprawl. It reflects a longing for the simpler times when people had more mental space for reflection and peace.

Think of Sarah, a busy marketing executive living in New York City. She's constantly on the go, juggling meetings, emails, and deadlines. Her phone is always buzzing, her calendar always packed. Sarah rarely has a moment to herself. But one weekend, she decides to go on a silent retreat. No phones, no emails, just quiet. Initially, she feels restless, almost anxious with the silence. But as the weekend progresses, she starts to feel a sense of peace she hasn't experienced in years. That quiet space in her mind, long buried under the 'factories' of her busy life, finally gets some sunlight.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying those mental bandstands and factories. What are your biggest sources of mental noise? Is it your phone, social media, the constant pressure to be productive? Once you’ve identified them, make a conscious effort to create quiet spaces. It could be as simple as setting aside 10 minutes a day to sit in silence, meditate, or just breathe.

Here’s a relatable story: Imagine you're John, a software developer working from home. Your day is filled with coding, Zoom calls, and Slack notifications. One day, you decide to take a break and go for a walk in the nearby park. You leave your phone at home. At first, your mind is racing with thoughts about work, but gradually, you start to notice the sound of birds, the rustling of leaves, the feel of the breeze. By the time you return home, you feel surprisingly refreshed and clear-headed. That quiet walk was a much-needed visit to the quiet place in your mind.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s so easy to forget the importance of mental stillness. We’re constantly building and adding, thinking it will make us more successful or fulfilled. But sometimes, less truly is more. Let’s not be afraid to pause, to embrace the quiet places in our minds. They’re there for a reason, offering peace and clarity in a world that often seems to want to drown them out.