The Treasure of Stillness

Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/ Photouten

It’s something our world today never seems to engage in. Our youngest generations don’t even know what it means, let alone how to be still. But it is the one act—or lack of acting—that can make the difference between success and burnout.

A few weeks ago I had been working very hard on developing a new course. My mind was boggled with all the ideas. Things just weren’t coming together. I had charts and ideas taped to the wall inside my home office. But it was like Jello in a pan in 90 degree heat. It just wouldn’t gel.

One morning I sat on my patio doing, well, nothing. I just stared out into the morning with no particular thoughts in my head. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the contents of the course jumped out and danced before me. I knew exactly where each of those pieces on my wall fit into the puzzle.

Later in the day I realized my mind was able to do that because it was at rest. It was free from demand during those precious few moments and it resulted in a stroke of genius.

Having moments in your day where you have absolutely nothing happening is vital to your success in whatever you do in life. In fact, Michael Hyatt wrote about it yesterday in his blog as well. He is one of the busiest men I know and he began this practice recently while on vacation. It made so much difference in his life already.

There are a few key strategies you must follow in order for this to be effective:

 You must actually do nothing. Absolutely nothing. This is not a multi-tasking activity.

 You must be alone. Yes, not even petting your dog qualifies as the practice of stillness.

 Sorry, no electronics. If you have some relaxing music (without words) like waves on the seashore or birds in the forest, you can use that.

 Set a timer for 15-20 minutes. If you have a finite period of time and set an alarm or timer, you will be able to completely disconnect without guilt knowing you will be alerted when your time is up.

 No journaling, reading, or any other activity. That includes driving. The key is to be still.

 Do it every single day. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in your life, your creativity and your outlook.

This sounds so simple—even unnecessary—but I promise you it will make a huge difference. And, just for the record, it IS necessary. Give yourself this wonderful gift. You deserve it!

Today’s Challenge: Find a place where you can spend a few minutes every day in stillness and solitude. Determine a time when you will do this each day. Tell everyone who may interrupt you what you are doing and gain their cooperation. Oh, and START TODAY!

Do you already have a stillness time in your day? Did you just start today? Share your experience here.