Although we live in a fast-paced, “non-stop” world, the practice of stillness is important. In fact, practicing stillness is the perfect way to bring balance to your life when you feel like you’ve been going a mile a minute and you can’t seem to slow life down.
It’s easy to get caught up in never-ending to-do lists and the countless events and meetings we’re obligated to go to. While this can be an important part of a person’s life, finding time to practice just being present is an extremely beneficial mental reset. But how can you achieve stillness when you’re used to moving non-stop?
How to Achieve Stillness
Stillness, by definition, is the absence of movement or sound. Lying, sitting, or standing in a calm and quiet state is the easiest way to achieve stillness in a meditation practice. A quiet environment is integral in practicing stillness, so it’s important to find an empty room, free from other distractions.
If you don’t have access to this type of space in your home, you can also sit at your favorite park or outdoor nature space with your headphones in. There are plenty of natural sound meditation tracks you can play during this time if the park happens to be busy with people when you’re there.
What to Do When You Can’t “Be Still”
If you find yourself having trouble practicing stillness, it might be helpful to try doing some type of visualization. Although you aren’t sitting or standing completely still, your mind can drift off into beautiful scenarios played out by you. A relaxing walk on the beach, looking at your dream car at the dealership, or just visualizing a beautiful piece of music being played while observing your surroundings.
Essentially, using these kinds of tools help trick your mind into thinking you are sitting still and maintaining focus on the task at hand. The best way to ensure you’re practicing stillness is to find a place that makes you feel the most relaxed. This location is going to make getting into a state of calm much easier.
The traditional practice of stillness may not be for everyone. However, there are ways you can still practice this beneficial technique without forcing yourself to sit still. In most cases, another form of meditation can help you achieve similar results. Whether you meditate by practicing stillness or by doing something you love, you should always take the time to practice being present.
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