When you think of it, being still simple means stopping striving, stopping fighting yourself, and relax. You only have to sit still. Really!!
Being still is more than that. There is a deeper meaning to being still that you should not overlook. It's not problem-solving time or planning time. It is a time to be in the present moment. It is a time to be still.
We live in such a media-rich, always-on, communicative society that we do not shut off. Noise, crowds and the pressures for societal expectations drain us mentally and emotionally. Even when we sleep, our minds struggle to shut off from the day, often leaving us feeling tired before we even start the next day.
Doing nothing is one of the most productive activities that you can undertake. Being still quiets your mind and provides you with the opportunity to be in the moment. Stillness can provide you with peace, rejuvenation and clarity.
Mother Teresa expressed stillness this way.
"We need peace in our lives, not noise and restlessness. Nature thrives in silence; the flowers, grass and trees grow beautifully in silence. We need silence to be able to touch our souls and to grow"
How do you practice stillness? The keyword here is it takes practice. It is not an easy task to do. First, schedule time that is sacred for you to be silent. Possible first thing in the morning. Second, find a place that supports your efforts to be quiet and not disturbed. The third is to time your silence moment with a timer. Possible three minutes to start. Fourth, sit in a relaxed position. Lastly, be silent using a technique to focus on your breath, making nonjudgmental observation if your thoughts
get hijacked by your overly active mind. Just be present in your breath.
The most crucial factor is to try to set aside time every day to be silent. You need this gift of silence more than you know.
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