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I’ve been working through an injury this week, so my personal practice has shifted a bit. My everyday movements have changed as well. Logically (and deep down), I know if I wish to give my body time to repair and restore, I benefit by emphasizing stillness and moving slowly for a few weeks. I can gain much by being mindful with my movements and with my attitude about doing less.
It’s common though to have a negative relationship with stillness. We can be attached to doing, doing, doing. We can label those who make rest a priority as lazy, boring, slow movers, passive, or even disinterested. We can think ill of ourselves when we slow down, even if we have health reasons to do so.
But rest is necessary, and not just when we face injury or illness; it’s a daily need. Yet our culture doesn’t make stillness or even slowing down a priority. So, many of us (myself included) have wrestled with actually making rest a priority. We don’t voice our need to recharge. We don’t adjust our schedules to get to bed early or even relax on vacation. If we wish though to feel well long-term, a shift in our perspective can get us moving in that direction.
As part of a 40-day daily meditation plan I created last year for a family member, I wrote a pre-meditation reading that discusses our relationship to stillness. I share that excerpt below because I’ve turned to it this week. (Always beneficial to take my own guidance, right?!?) If you or someone else is in need of prioritizing rest, perhaps it will provide some assistance.
Our Relationship to Stillness
We live in an on-the-go world with the motto: if we aren’t doing something, we are going to be left behind. So we seldom come to stillness. It may feel like we aid our survival if we move all the time. It’s common for us to toss and turn in our sleep, to fidget when sitting or standing, or even to grind our teeth when we feel small moments of stillness. We resist being motionless.
But being motionless, yet aware, like in meditation, can bring life alive unlike movement can for us. We can experience the full breadth of our senses. We can sense the temperature of the room, the sounds of the environment, the sensations in our bodies, the quality of our breath, and witness the nature of our thoughts all while sitting still. We can fully experience a moment.
It’s possible to do the same in motion, but it’s more difficult to experience. Movement changes everything around us rapidly. Our breath changes. The sensations in our bodies change. We may need to focus on how we are moving, so we may not be aware of the sounds and sights of our environment. While we are having an experience, we may only get part of it.
In stillness we increase awareness and the opportunity to take in and acknowledge a complete moment. We are not being left behind if we take some time to be still. We are right here and right now in stillness. That’s as far “ahead” as we can ever be in our lives.Consideration after meditation: Remember today what you notice by remaining still and then consider what you may miss by introducing subtle movement- like wiggling fingers and toes. Notice if stillness or movement invites your body and mind to be more at ease.
I wrote this text for adults and reading it this week has reminded me of shifts I can make in my own life. But what if we wish to impart the value of moving slowly or being still to children?
Thankfully Eric Carle has authored a book, “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth. While the sloth moves through life at his pace, or rather doesn’t move very much, other animals in the rain forest question his inaction, highlighting the stereotypes and labels I mentioned earlier. However, Carle gives the sloth a chance to explain his perspective. He announces that he is slow and calm and laid-back. He admits that he’s even sluggish and lethargic. But he clarifies that he’s not lazy; he is relaxed, peaceful and tranquil. I’d say he’s also probably very aware of what’s going on in his body, his environment, and his mind!
I admit, when I get injured or feel ill, initially I can focus too much on what I’m not doing instead of noticing what I’m gaining by adopting a slow pace or embracing stillness for awhile. This week I’ve needed the reminder that stillness increases my awareness and that awareness makes me more mindful in my movements later on. And as Carle has reminded me, when I move slow or stay still, I’m also getting to experience a state of relaxation, peace and tranquility. I think doctors would agree- those states can enhance my recovery!
While resting, I am wishing everyone moments of stillness this weekend; enjoy some tranquility and relaxation!
I recommend this book for ages 4 and up.
Themes: animals, movement, slowing down, relaxation
Themes for Yoga Teachers: movement, perspective, slowing down, attachment, judgment
“Our Relationship to Stillness” is a meditation from At Ease: Finding Contentment Through Meditation, Breathing Practices, and Mantra.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
