Achieving stillness in a bustling world, filled with immutable noise from honking horns and endless notifications seems impossible. Welcome to the reality of modern life. We’re constantly pushed by deadlines and the fear of missing out. Our work feels like a never-ending pressure that wears us out with unceasing demands and tasks. Taking breaks is tough because of the constant and unrelenting responsibilities we have. We are overfed and undernourished. Overstimulated, overscheduled, and lonely. The question is, who has the power to stop? How can we find peace in the midst of chaos?
Interestingly, the solution doesn’t lie in the chaos but in its opposite–stillness. Embracing stillness, despite the calm it brings, might seem strange in an era that celebrates constant busyness. However, it is in these quiet moments that we can find ourselves again. Stillness is not just a state of being calm and undisturbed; it is about finding quiet amidst the chaos of life and allowing yourself to simply be. Incorporating stillness into your daily life can have a profound impact on your well-being, reducing stress, improving focus, and boosting creativity. In this blog, I will share ways to incorporate moments of stillness in our daily lives.
1. Schedule Quiet Time
Connect with God. Commit to reading the bible. In the quiet, we can sincerely open our hearts and minds to God’s voice. His wise and guiding whispers become clear. It’s setting up a special place and time where we can have a meaningful conversation with God. Through prayer, meditation, and being present in the moment, we not only hear but really understand the subtle whispers of God. This connection brings comfort, calmness, guidance, and spiritual nourishment to our lives.
In the Bible, we find countless examples of God calling people into stillness. The most well-known verse of stillness is Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God”. This verse from the Psalms emphasizes the importance of quieting our hearts and minds to truly connect with God. Stillness is not just physical state but a state of the soul, allowing us to recognize God’s presence.
Even Jesus withdrew to quiet and solitary places for prayer and reflection. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is mentioned that Jesus went up on a mountain by Himself to pray.
2. Connect with Nature
Spend time in nature, appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. Go for a walk in the park, spend a day at the beach, or simply spend time in your garden. Find a quiet corner of nature where you can be alone with your thoughts. Sit in silence and listen to the sounds of nature surrounding you. You could be amazed by the surprising thoughts that come up when you allow yourself the chance to simply be still.
3. Limit Distractions
In this digital era, our number one distractor is gadgets. Turn off notifications, silence your phone, and consider leaving your devices in another room. You may also communicate boundaries by informing the people around you about your need for stillness during a certain time. This includes family members, roommates, or colleagues.
By intentionally creating this separation, you not only reduce the probability of getting distracted but also signal to yourself and others that you are in a focused, distraction-free zone. By incorporating these strategies, you create an environment that encourages stillness and minimizes distractions.
4. Embrace the Discomfort
Stillness can be uncomfortable at first. We may face anxieties; they can bring worries, reveal emotions we didn’t know were there, or simply expose us to unfamiliar silence. However, it is in moments of vulnerability that something wonderful or powerful can happen.
Imagine the stillness as a special space where you can be real with yourself. It is like a pause button that lets you look inside and understand your thoughts and feelings better. The quietness helps you cut through the noise of the outside world and discover things about yourself–your fears, your dreams, and what is really important to you.
5. Practice Stillness and Be Kind to Yourself
Remember, incorporating stillness is a journey, not a destination. Being patient and kind to yourself is very important on this journey. It’s like learning something new, it takes time and you will discover more about yourself along the way. There will be tough days when life feels busy and being calm seems far away. In those moments, give yourself a break, acknowledge the challenges without being hard on yourself, and gently bring your focus back to finding stillness.
Think of it as an ongoing journey, not something you reach and finish. This mindset lets you fully embrace the process, making each step a part of your personal growth and inner peace. So, start with small changes and be patient as you make stillness a natural part of your everyday life.
In our busy world, stress and anxiety are common. Finding moments of stillness offers a safe haven from these pressures giving us the chance to find inner peace and calmness. May you learn to embrace stillness. Slowing down and being in the moment makes us more conscious of the blessings in our lives, fostering a grateful heart.
