The ZEN habit of stillness

All you have to do to achieve stillness of body is to finish your chores and then relax Even while you're completing your tasks, you can conserve energy by using little movement. To get an idea of how to do this, just watch a monk in action. Or notice how a cat relaxes.

How do you feel when you get some shocking news? How about when you finally reach your target at work, win an award, or find yourself suddenly in a crisis? You feel a rush of adrenaline and you're off, letting off steam in a gush of emotion, words or action.
So if this is such a natural response to big changes, why do you need to cultivate stillness? When you're in the middle, when you're centered, you can see both ends of the spectrum.  When you refrain from reacting in an extreme way, you can control your response to the situation. You can be objective. Most importantly, you can learn from your circumstances and use them for self-development. You can use your responses to learn how to become still.  When you learn stillness, your reactions take on new meaning.

1. Stop. In an extreme situation, pull away from the circumstance for a moment.
Take a deep breath before you react.
2. Listen. Listen carefully to what's being said. If your mind jumps the gun with
words you feel compelled to speak, bring it back to the moment. Return your
attention to what the other is saying.
3. Think. Contemplate why you're facing the situation. Did you play a part in
creating it? Is the other simply mirroring you? Is there something you need to
learn from this circumstance?

Stillness is not merely the absence of movement or noise but a state of deep tranquility and inner calm. Incorporating stillness into your daily life can bring a multitude of benefits to your overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of practicing stillness:

Mental Clarity: Stillness allows your mind to settle and quiet the constant stream of thoughts. It helps to clear mental clutter and create space for clarity, enabling you to focus better and make decisions with greater ease.

Expanded Mental Benefits of Stillness
A. Reduced stress and anxiety levels: Engaging in stillness activities like meditation or deep breathing can activate the relaxation response in the body, leading to reduced stress and anxiety levels.
B. Improved focus and concentration: Stillness exercises like mindfulness can train your mind to sustain focus and improve your ability to concentrate.
C. Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities: Stillness allows your mind to rest and recharge, thereby boosting your creativity and problem-solving skills.

Stress Reduction: By slowing down and embracing stillness, you can activate the relaxation response in your body, which helps reduce stress levels. The practice of stillness can lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and relax tense muscles, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

Emotional Balance: Cultivating stillness can help you develop emotional resilience and regulation. It allows you to observe your emotions without judgment or immediate reaction, fostering self-awareness and empowering you to respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Improved Concentration: Engaging in stillness exercises, such as meditation or mindfulness, enhances your ability to concentrate and sustain focus. The practice trains your mind to be present in the moment, enhancing productivity and reducing distractions.

Enhanced Creativity: Stillness provides an opportunity for your mind to rest and recharge, leading to enhanced creativity. When you quiet the noise of external stimuli and internal chatter, you create space for new ideas, insights, and innovative thinking to emerge.

Increased Self-Awareness: The practice of stillness encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. This heightened self-awareness can contribute to personal growth, self-discovery, and a greater sense of authenticity.

Mind-Body Connection: Stillness helps to strengthen the mind-body connection and supports overall physical well-being. It can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, boost immune function, and alleviate symptoms of stress-related conditions. 

 Physical Benefits of Stillness
A. Lowered blood pressure and heart rate: This practice can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and relax tense muscles, promoting physical relaxation.
B. Boosted immune system and overall health: The practice can also boost immune function, improve sleep quality, and support overall physical well-being.
C. Improved quality of sleep and relaxation: Incorporating this practice into your daily routine can enhance the quality of your sleep and promote relaxation.

Inner Peace: Ultimately, the practice of stillness leads to a sense of inner peace and contentment. It enables you to detach from external distractions and find solace within yourself, experiencing a profound sense of calm and serenity.

Incorporating stillness into your daily routine doesn't require a significant time commitment. Even a few minutes of intentional stillness each day can yield noticeable benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Embrace the practice of stillness and unlock its transformative power in your life.