“Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity”
―Lao Tzu
1. Notice things more.
When we are born, we are taught the rituals and customs and thoughts of our guardians/parents. You might be taught how to be observant, though it is easy to get sideswiped by life around you. Becoming observant to what is happening, who you are, and where you’re going is what is necessary when you grow.
When you notice things more, you are able to make personal decisions and not get swept up in automatic experiences.
When you notice things more, you begin to create what you want in your life.
I am an artist and began to meditate regularly last year. A lot came up for me. Thoughts and feelings that I thought I was over from my past. So, I continued to meditate for months and worked through the issues. It’s an ongoing process, of course, though I noticed that what helped me work through anything that came up was this new meditative ability to be still.
I then decided to dive into the concept of stillness and discover what it means. Since researching and writing about stillness, I have found how important it is to take time and observe.
2. Observe yourself.
Observe your thoughts. Observe what it is that you’re doing. It disperses out whatever is unnecessary and you are left with the essence of it. The essence of all. The essence of life itself.
I’m writing this to show how easy it is to begin to be still—and where it can take you. It works for anyone. It’s a contemplative way of living that distills out what’s not working. It does take time, but it’s so worth it. I have never been happier in my life since I began to meditate.
3. Notice others more.
Not only will you start to notice yourself and actions, but now you can notice other people. How do they treat you? This is important to take note of. How do you come across to others? Is it a good feeling? How can you work to change it or your situation if it’s not how you want it to be?
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”
―William Shakespeare, As You Like It
4. See where you’re reacting.
When embracing stillness, you stop reacting automatically. We have unconscious reflexes where we respond without thought. When you can go within, however, you can stop the immediate reaction. You can stop and pause. Reflect. What will this comment do for me? For us? Will what I’m about to say affect the rest of my life in a positive way? Will what I’m about to do help this situation?
Breathe.
Contemplate.
Then do. Or don’t do.
But choose before the reaction.
“There are certain ways in which I cultivate awareness, both through mindful yoga and taking care of my body and taking time to actually drop as deeply as possible into stillness, into whatever is unfolding in the present moment.”
––Jon Kabat-Zinn
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Photo: Getty Images