stillnessStillness.

Some are made uncomfortable by it.

Stillness is avoided, filled, ruffled and, on the integer scale, falls squarely into the “negative” category.

Stillness is often an undervalued commodity in our lives. We have no need for it until we don’t have it. Then, when we get a taste of it, we’re instantly grateful, take a few, deep sips and, with a swift wave of the hand, quickly dismiss it.

Stillness is not productive. We don’t have time. We don’t make time. Truly, we don’t TAKE time. 

I remember someone once saying the Universe can be heard between the spaces – between the spaces of activities, between the spaces of words, between the spaces of thoughts and breath. The pause is the podium from which wisdom speaks. (click to Tweet).

vanity and imperfectionAfter a very demanding August, I decided to take the month of September to be still. I’ve tried it before and I’m not very good at it… quite frankly, I’ve mostly failed. I notice when I read, I rush over things, looking for the content rather than taking a nice, deep dive into the experience and opportunity to connect with the author. I gobble rather than dine. When approaching stillness I start in fits and spurts, words quite contradictory to its very essence. Several times lately, I’ve received some insight when I sat quietly for about 15 minutes. I can almost touch stillness’ benefit, but when I grasp at it, it slips right through my fingers. I know, I know. That’s the problem! So, mostly, I’ve failed at my quiet September and am back to doing the doings I’ve always done. Maybe not all hope is lost, because obviously, I’m thinking about it now.

There is tremendous value in stillness and blessed are those who have mastered the art of being with time. (click to Tweet)

Stillness provides:

  • Rest – A space to regain strength and endurance.
  • Reflection – A time to let what is be and what was done go.
  • Openness – A place to receive ideas and wisdom that may not be of our own making.
  • Balance – A time to reclaim equilibrium.

[Tweet “Stillness is like cleaning the closet of your mind.”]

 It offers the heart a place to be itself. It generously clears room on the shelf for new possibilities. It grounds and connects us to source. So, why don’t we do it more often?

On my quest for more stillness in my life, I suppose a practice needs to be cultivated. I could schedule it.  Or, perhaps stillness is like the fog…if I just get out of its way, maybe it’ll creep in on little cat’s feet. Enveloping me. Sedating me into cooperation.

As I write this, I realize tonight is the full moon and it’s a harvest moon. You may recall, I moon journal. The full moon is a time of letting go. Somehow, I’m thinking the timing is perfect and this all fits together.

I welcome help with this one. I believe a good “stillness practice” would benefit many of us – so if you have one and share, you can help many people. Do you meditate? Have a ritual space for stillness? How much stillness is there in your day? On a scale of 1-10 – 10 being a Master, how well do you do still? I think I’m a 4. Please share. Wait, don’t share that I’m a 4! Share your thoughts and secrets.

Don’t Be So Still You Don’t Speak Up,

11782161_10207494863919739_64633069007983764_o

 

 

Michelle Andres is a writer and artist who cultivates her own Well Writer, Artist, CoachLived Life by drinking in the beauty around her, following her passion, respecting others and doing her best to own her own dookie.

Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
“Join the Tribe” and subscribe to this blog (over there – in the left sidebar)
View her art here