The Gift of Stillness
Sometimes beauty begins in stillness.
In a world that expects so much of us—juggling work, family, and the pressure of economic, political and social changes can truly take a toll on our well-being.
Society can make us believe we always need to do more. And we do. And do. And do.
Completely forgetting that we spend our days moving from one thing to the next without ever truly being present.
But how are we present in a world that feels like it's constantly moving?
Especially with technological advancements, change seems to happen more quickly than ever before. It brings many advantages, but also certain challenges.
If we keep up this pace, we may completely lose ourselves in the mode of doing.
What brings us back into a state of being?
Stillness.
Just having a few moments to yourself - connecting to your heart, or simply feeling the presence of your heartbeat.
Stillness doesn't always mean you need to sit still, though.
Stillness can also be a moment of pure contemplation in nature.
When you observe nature for a moment, you notice how still a tree is.
Or a flower.
They are simply present.
Yet what holds us back from stillness?
First of all, the mind rarely likes stillness.
Our minds have become so used to constant stimulation that stillness may actually feel boring at first.
But if you've ever spent just five quiet minutes by yourself—or simply sat in contemplation in nature—you realize how healing stillness can be.
It helps you recharge your energy.
In a world that's constantly moving and constantly telling you to achieve more, finish the next task, or accomplish the next goal,
stillness may be the very thing that helps you return to the here and now.
It's good to have goals and dreams.
But it's just as important not to spend your life chasing one thing after another without taking the time to appreciate what you've already achieved.
Life is not a race.
What if life is more like an experience?
And what if the constant chasing and stimulation have taken us further away from our true desires?
Stillness doesn't mean I have to meditate all day long.
Stillness can also mean I know how to navigate my inner world.
I know when my emotions become overwhelming.
And I know when it's time to care for them instead of pushing them away.
Stillness can also mean acting from a balanced inner self.
Stillness isn't about saying nothing.
It's about coming from a place of integrity, authenticity and balance.
That can make you appear incredibly beautiful. And the decisions that may result can feel a lot like they're coming from you.
