“The stillness in stillness, is not the real stillness. Only when there is stillness in movement does the universal rhythm manifest”
– Bruce Lee
Stillness has become something of a lost art in our ‘always on’ culture.
There is a growing realisation this is so. Many of us are trying to bring some stillness back to our lives. A meditation practice, meditation apps, yoga, long walks with the dog, time outside in nature, a breathing practice. It all counts, it can all work.
We are starting to see this time for calm as necessary, in our busy lives. Intentionally making space for these resets. Realising that yang needs yin. That is, if we are to sprint full bore in the direction of our goals, we must also make time to rest up occasionally.
While this type of self-care is a positive step, it is only scratching at the surface of stillness.
These practices are about stillness in stillness. To go deeper, we must learn to quieten our mind when all around us is not. Working always from a place of calm. We look to bring stillness to everything we do.
Moving with Stillness
This is the rare air. These are the people that always seem to retain a sense of calm, even in the face of adversity.
The CEO that calmly and confidently addresses an audience of thousands for a keynote speech. Taking questions and objections in her stride, without missing a beat.
The teacher that patiently repeats instructions to a class of excitable (and sometimes unruly) children.
The fireman that walks into the danger zone, calmly counselling and helping the people he finds, away from harm’s way.
The elite boxer that retains a measured presence of mind and body, under immense pressure from his opponent. Knowing his opportunity to counter will come, if he just keeps his mind still under fire.
What does this have to do with us?
If we can bring stillness to our everyday lives, we turn up ready to give the best of ourselves. Ready to give our best effort.
We no longer react with anger, frustration, or jealousy when things do not go our way.
We remove ego from the equation, refusing to take criticism to heart.
We search for a way through life’s challenges, knowing they will surely come.
We accept what needs to be accepted and let go of the rest.
We approach life with an active but quiet mind. Adopting a Zen like outlook.
We seek to bring a sense of stillness to everything we do. More than this, we commit to be stillness in motion.