How to Find Inner Peace in a Noisy World

The daily pressures, challenging burdens, and negative emotions we often experience can have harmful effects on us. At times they can lead to emotional eating and even to medical challenges.

According to Maimonides (the Rambam), the body and soul are intertwined and inseparable. During particularly stressful times at work or home for example, a person may become physically unwell. Through the illness, the body finally gets to rest, sleep, relax, and regain strength- all of which weren’t possible during the period of high stress. When we ignore the needs of the body, by constantly working without pause or always giving to others, it will eventually find a way to meet its needs, in this case through forced rest, reflection, and recuperation.

Awareness and internal listening are therefore so vital in our lives, and in Judaism. Practices like hitbodedut (solitude) provide an opportunity to turn our attention inward, and upward, toward the Creator.

If you're feeling sad, angry, tense, or overwhelmed by negative emotions, pause for a moment and try the following:

Step into Nature

If possible, go somewhere green. Nature connects us to ourselves and to the Creator (our essence). When we clear space from external and internal noise, we create room to listen to ourselves and to G-d. As it’s written, "And they shall make Me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell among them." When we prepare the inner space and make room for the Creator, He can enter, and we can feel a renewed clarity and focus- the Divine spark within each of us.

In nature, we witness words of Psalms: “How manifold are Your works, O Lord! … Your thoughts are very deep.” The Creator made everything. When we go outside, see the trees and feel the sun, it's easier to be filled with positive feelings and a sense of Divine supervision, that everything comes from Him.

You don’t need to travel far for this experience. Simply visit a nearby park, garden, or even your own backyard or balcony. The goal is to interrupt the cycle of negative emotions which nature naturally facilitates. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and focus on what truly matters.

Try a Short Session of Hitbodedut

Even 10–15 minutes a day can be transformative. This is time that you dedicate to yourself to recharge, so you can continue to give to others. During hitbodedut, or even just throughout your day, focus on the following:

1. Talk to G-d:
   We’re often too busy or distracted to notice that G-d always listens and responds. This is your moment to live out the verse: “Worry in a man’s heart? Speak it out.” Speak to G-d in your own language, at your own pace and style. The most important thing is that it’s authentic and from the heart. Speak audibly, as is done in the silent Amidah prayer. G-d created the world through speech, and our voice has immense power.

2. Understand What’s Really Bothering You:
   What is the root of the negative emotions? Is it truly serious? How can it be handled in the best possible way? What can be learned to better manage it? Who might help along the way? G-d speaks to us through those around us and every person is His messenger. Some of them may irritate or upset us- but even they are messengers from G-d. Try to understand what G-d wants from you and why He has brought this challenge into your life. There is no true evil from Heaven- only learning and growth, especially when patterns repeat themselves.

If you can work through these reflections on your own, that’s wonderful. If not, turn to your rabbi who can help guide and shed light on what is troubling you. If you don’t yet have a rabbi, now is the time to find one you trust and can turn to for guidance in every matter. It's best to have one consistent rabbi, so you can follow a clear, focused path. A true rabbi will connect you both to the Creator, and to your deeper self.

Make time for yourself, so that you can be stronger, more confident, and happier- and positively influence others in the process!

Wishing you much success- I believe in you!

Noa Rol is a naturopath specializing in healthy nutrition and positive thinking.