Stillness is powerful, allowing us time and space to self-reflect and actually hear out thoughts. It can be hard to come by in the world we live, with so much going on and so much noise on the inside and outside of our brains, so many to things to do and many distractions in our reach. Moments of stillness are possible and within our reach when we need them.
Being still soothes our nervous system, lowers blood pressure, improves concentration and focus, calms racing thoughts, stimulates brain growth, reduces cortisol, stimulates creativity, improves insomnia, and encourages mindfulness. Now, being still isn't just sitting alone without moving or speaking, it is an active state of being that weaves the inner wisdom we all have inside ourselves into our daily lives.
This can look different for each person and can vary from moment to moment, maybe it's turning off our stimuli around us such as tv, phone or radio, taking time to just sit and think. It can be a simple as slowing down to sit, walking slowly, or even lying down for a moment, reducing external stimuli in our environment by lowering the lights and turning down the music. You can practice stillness in any way that brings a sense of calm. Doing this allows you to calm your thoughts and focus your attention on one thing.
How to practice stillness
Breathe. Take slow, deep breaths inducing the parasympathetic system and slows your heart rate
Practice when you need it. Take the time regardless of where you are to be still
Schedule stillness. If you aren't able to just spontaneously create stillness, try to schedule a time sacred to being still
Finding a favorite spot. You can practice stillness anywhere but it can help to have a favorite spot that is comfortable and relaxing
Listen to soft music. Playing some calming music if you are unable to handle the complete silence, this can create more structure for being still
Repeat calming phrases. This can also create a structure, to guide your mind to remain still, such as "I am calm and still", "I can create stillness"
More example of stillness
Directing thoughts to peaceful statements
Focusing on a soothing image that evokes a sense of stillness
Taking a slow walk with or without music
Sitting down and taking deep breaths until you feel stillness in your body
Closing your eyes for several moments
Journaling
Reading
It can be hard to create moments of stillness with all the pressing matters in our day to day lives but we do have the power and control over where our attention lies. We can carve out as much time as we desire to be still, even if it is just 2 minutes out of our day. This can bring a great deal of peace and calm into our lives and allow us to be able to better manage our days and our thoughts.
We have been led to think that our worth in life is measured by our productivity, that every moment should be filled to the brim with activities. We have been taught to believe that carving out the time to simply exist threatens that narrative. Remember to be gentle with yourself as you distance yourself from that thought pattern in favor of putting yourself first.
It is important to discipline ourselves to integrate and explore more moments of stillness into our lives. I hope you take this as an encouragement to start to carve out a little time to be still, with all my love and light.
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