To practice stillness in a chaotic world (with a seemingly endless list of distractions) isn’t an easy task.
But what does practicing stillness look like in action?
It brings a deeper awareness into our lives that in turn cultivates feelings of appreciation and tranquility.
This guide provides 3 ways to bring more stillness in your life ( with a mindfulness practice at the end!)
POWER OF THE MIND
“Within yourself is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself”
Herman Hesse
More often than not, we believe our reactions are perpetuated by the chaos of our world happening around us.
The truth is:
Our minds are the only aspect of life we have 100% control over.
And with practice ( by not coming attached to our thoughts) we can cultivate inner stillness regardless of any situation.
DAILY CHECKLIST
- Begin & end the day with mindfulness
- Practice conscious consumption ( setting time limits on phone, limiting negative news, etc.)
- Partake in mindful eating & drinking habits ( sitting down, no distractions, saying thanks, identifying emotional eating)
- Identify your principles and let them guide your decisions
- Become picky with your leisure time ( attending social functions out of a sense of obligation.)
- Determine what is non-negotiable and then prioritize ( example- more family time, hobbies / interests, scheduling “me time”
STILLNESS PRACTICE
Sit comfortably with a notebook and pen in front of you.
Close your eyes and take 4-5 deep belly breaths, connecting to your center.
Write down anything that comes up for you, remember there’s no right or wrong answer.
Rather, this is your moment to tune out the noise and connect to your inner stillness
Alternately, you could draw your thoughts out on a page, using colors that represent your emotions.
Another great exercise to try is: Set a timer for 3-5 minutes and write down any emotions that pop up. You could use these as further inspiration for reflection, turn it into a poem, or just leave it as they are.