Do you ever feel that life has gotten really complicated? There’s a LOT going on – noise and activities and to-do lists and technology – that it can all be overwhelming.
Amidst all that overwhelm, making time for stillness can help reduce the inner clutter, creating a place of spaciousness and openness that lets you explore your thoughts with a bit of curiosity, of self-reflection. Stillness is where we can quiet our minds and let our souls speak.
Stillness anchors you. It’s a place to go to cultivate mindfulness. It is in stillness where you become aware of the present moment. You can shut out the clatter and clamor of voices – both outside and inside – that are telling you how you should be. Then, you can listen to your intuition, your inner wisdom.
We all instinctively know that stillness is important, and yet these days it can be difficult to find a place for it, to be steady in a fast-paced world. We are constantly inundated with information, and the demands on us are high, so you must make stillness intentional, everyday. It’s when we don’t think we have the time, that we need it the most.
The benefits of stillness are much like meditation, and I’ve written about those many times before (Just Do It!), so today I want to focus on how to find time. Here are some ideas to work it into your day:
Meditate
You knew that was the first on my list, right? It’s true. Meditation is the most obvious way to practice stillness, but it’s certainly not the only way. Just ten minutes of meditation each day can have profound effects. Make it a part of your regular routine, either first thing in the morning or just before you turn in for the night.
Dial down the devices
Set aside time each day to disconnect. How about using the first hour of each day to find stillness by not looking at your phone or computer or television. You can use that time to journal (hand-written of course), or mindfully eat your breakfast or just sit and observing your breath. If an hour sounds like too much time, start with just 15 minutes.
Get out
In nature, of course! Leave everything behind and get out there with the flora and fauna. Just enjoy your surrounding and give your brain a break for as much time as you can spare.
Stillness can be found anywhere and you don’t need to be alone. Find the way to stillness and you will find meaning, contentment, happiness and less stress when the world needs it most.
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