Peace, Be Still

Can stillness be your freedom?

u are practicing liberation in your own life. And then, as Spirit often does, liberation found me along my own path. A wise person asked me, "Where are you practicing stillness?"

UM. WHAT. 

Stillness? In this economy? I am momming, working, preaching, writing, caregiving, dogwalking, healing...where on earth is there time or space for stillness? 

You too, may be picking your jaw up off the floor and wondering why or where stillness could exist unless you are independently wealthy, retired, or live in a monastery. 

And yet. To be still is to practice freedom. To be still is to allow your thoughts and soul space to move and develop and grow. So many of us were taught to view stillness as punishment through time-outs or the expectation that children should be seen and not heard...but what could it look like for you to voluntarily be still? There is no teacher or parent over your shoulder wagging their finger at you. You can simply cease movement, cease productivity and allow your whole body to just be. 

If this sounds intimidating, you're not alone. Pema Chödrön's work on meditation taught me how to be still and I'm still learning. I dare you to try just 5 minutes of complete stillness - no podcast, no music, no multi-tasking. Just five minutes this week to be still and allow your thoughts space to move. 

I'm curious if you'll find, as I am finding, that stillness makes us crave more stillness. Let me know what you find out!

It is a privilege to make this way with you,

Elaine 

This reflection is part of Wayfinder's Weekly, my free Monday newsletter for people navigating threshold seasons. Subscribe here