We have been sent to this earth to multiply and replenish, to beautify, to learn, to serve, to accomplish much. We know that “where much is given, much is required” (D&C 82:3) and we need to make good use of the time we have on this earth. But we are also commanded to “Be still, and know that I (The Lord) am God (D&C 101:16). I know that the Lord is God, but I do have a difficult time being still. Not only do I have four young children who keep me far from stillness, but every once in a while when I do encounter a free moment wherein I might “be still and know”, it is a real temptation to banish the stillness by calling someone on the phone, answering an email, checking Facebook, turning on the TV, or flipping on the radio. It is my goal to more often embrace the still moments and turn off the worldly noise as I make the meals, do the dishes, fold the clothes and drive the car so that I can be still and know.
I feel very blessed that my life has one additional activity that enables me to be busy yet still, and that is playing a musical instrument. While my body and mind are engaged in practicing or performing, my Spirit is still and open to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It is while I am playing the violin that I feel most in tune with the Spirit and receive most of my personal revelation. In addition to prayer and scripture study, I would encourage everyone to find an enjoyable activity, whether it be gardening, sewing, walking, writing, painting, dancing, meditating or anything else wherein your soul can be still and your Spirit can know God. For “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
I have recently found that running without my Ipod is a GREAT escape for me that gives me time to "be still" (well...at least mentally). And then when my car CD player broke, I realized that time in the car alone is CHERISHED time to "be still." Try it sometime...you might be surprised.