We live in a world of distractions. Televisions, cell phones, computers, cars, iPods – they fill our every waking moment with noise and activity. Some of us even fall asleep to the drone of the TV. If we could turn off all these distractions, how would our lives be different?Two years ago, I started taking classes at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. I really enjoyed being back at school. I loved my classes and meeting new people. But the 90 minute commute was taking an incredible toll on me and on my family. By the time I arrived at school each day, I was so stressed out from the drive that several times I broke down crying in frustration.Friends offered many suggestions – listen to your favourite music, get some talking books – all of which I tried. But nothing really helped.Until one day, I decided to turn everything off. I drove the entire way in total silence.Now, lets be honest, I was driving on the 404 and Don Valley Parkway – so not exactly quiet. But inside MY car – it was quiet.Over the next few days, I found that my car became a sanctuary – a quiet haven where I could be at peace. I started to use my 90 minutes to meditate – with my eyes open of course!At first it was difficult getting to a level of deep communication with my soul and the Divine. But each day it gets easier.Then I started to discover other benefits to silence.Before I arrive at IHN, I drop my children off at their schools. We drive in silence in the mornings.When I first started this habit, they immediately plugged in their iPods and zoned out.  But now they often use this special time to talk about what’s going on in their lives – it’s amazing how many major crises can be avoided if you talk about them.One of the things that we’ve discussed is that God finds it difficult to be heard over their iTunes, Facebook and the television. And that it takes mindful practice to hear the Divine.You see if you fill your life with noise and distractions – you lose sight of your purpose here on earth. Each of us has a Divine purpose – a Divine plan that we worked out  before we were born.It’s not easy sticking to that plan – often it’s painful and we turn away in fear. Fear of not being good enough, fear of never achieving our goals, fear that our purpose is too big, too overwhelming.I urge you not to run away from your fears – but instead face them head on.Take time each day to turn off the noise and focus on becoming the wonderful “you” you are destined to be. The mindful practice of meditation is not complicated, you don’t need to be taught how to do it, you don’t need to visit an ashram or study with a guru. Just take a few deep breaths, quiet your mind, and, with intention, dive in. I start the ball rolling by thinking of the things I’m grateful for  –Thank you Divine for this beautiful day, for my children, for my husband, for my beautiful home, for my friends, for your love, for your guidanceIn silence, you’ll hear the song of your soul.