Stillness:
devoid of or abstaining from motion: free from noise or turbulence
The world runs at a frenetic pace, especially the online, constantly connected side of our lives. Constant notifications, texts, emails, social media updates. As we learn to live at this speed it seems even more important to find a balance by being still.
Allowing your mind to be still takes practice. Allowing your body to truly rest takes practice. Not a lot of new skill or explanation required, just reminders and practice.
You might naturally find when you journal or draw, or in the middle of other focused activities that you pause for a moment and capture a bit of stillness, where the silence envelops you like a bubble. We need these moments in our day like a breath of fresh air for our minds.
Try This
Sit quietly for a few moments with all your screens and sounds off. Watch the raindrops fall outside the window, or the flames flicker by the fire. Sit still with yourself physically. Feet flat on the floor, hands gently resting on your legs. Take five minutes, two minutes or one minute to sit gently.
Close your eyes or focus on the distance and just sit.
Breathe and be still.
Sit still with your mind. When your mind wanders, bring it back quietly reminding yourself that you are still. It is a practice to be still for even a moment when you are used to constant stimulation.
Breathe evenly. Let your eyes relax or gently close them. When you start looking around remind yourself, take a breath and be still.
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