Today, I want to share a personal story and an invaluable lesson that has reshaped my understanding of success and self-care. As a wellbeing coach and an entrepreneur, I've juggled the excitement and challenges of launching a new coaching business while passionately running my established photography venture. My passion for volunteer and social connection also adds many events on my calendar. These journeys have led me to an epiphany about the essential role of stillness in our lives.
My Story: The Day Stillness Spoke Louder Than Words
Rewind to last Saturday. For the first time in months, my calendar was empty: no client meetings, no photo shoots, no business strategizing. An entire day stretched before me with no obligations. Initially, it felt unsettling. The silence and inactivity were foreign, almost uncomfortable. I wandered around my home, feeling an unexplainable sense of guilt for not 'doing' anything. That's when it dawned on me – we've been so conditioned to equate constant activity with productivity that the mere act of pausing seems wrong.
Why We Mistake Stillness for Laziness
Cultural Bias:Â Society often equates busyness with effectiveness and success. This bias instills a fear that stillness equates to laziness or a lack of ambition.
Entrepreneurial Pressure:Â In the world of entrepreneurship, where I have my roots, there's an unspoken rule that 'time is money,' and every moment should be productive. This mindset can turn stillness into a source of anxiety.
Personal Guilt:Â As someone who thrives on creativity and accomplishment, I often felt guilty during moments of inactivity, as if I was not living up to my potential.
Discovering the Importance of Stillness
Mental Clarity and Innovation:Â During moments of stillness, our overworked minds get a chance to reset. This downtime is often when our best ideas and solutions emerge.
Emotional Well-being:Â Continuous work without adequate breaks can lead to emotional burnout. Embracing stillness allows for emotional healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
Physical Health:Â Our bodies need rest to function optimally. Stillness helps in reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and boosting our immune system.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Stillness into Our Busy Lives
Mindful Meditation:Â Dedicate a few minutes each day to meditate. Focus on your breath, allowing your thoughts to pass without judgment.
Nature Walks:Â Spend time in nature. The natural environment has a calming effect and helps to slow down our thoughts.
Digital Detox:Â Set aside time each day when you disconnect from all electronic devices. This break from digital stimuli can be incredibly refreshing.
Creative Stillness:Â Engage in activities that allow your mind to wander freely, like painting, gardening, or listening to soothing music.
5. Scheduled Downtime:Â Just as you schedule meetings, schedule time for doing nothing. Treat this time as sacred and non-negotiable.
6. Reflection Journaling:Â Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. This practice can be a form of stillness that fosters self-awareness and inner peace.
Embracing Stillness: My Ongoing Journey
I'm still learning to balance my entrepreneurial spirit, social connection and volunteerism, with the need for stillness. Following my husband's gentle reminder to practice what I coach, I've started to view stillness as an essential aspect of my routine. It's a journey of unlearning and relearning, of giving myself the grace to pause.
Conclusion: Stillness as a Lifestyle Choice
The journey to embracing stillness is not just about finding moments of quiet. It's about changing our perspective on productivity and success. It's about understanding that stillness is not the enemy of progress; it's a vital companion.
So, join me in this journey. Let's redefine what it means to be productive and successful. Let's give ourselves the permission to pause and discover the immense power hidden in moments of stillness.
Together, let's find harmony in the balance between action and stillness, remembering that taking time to pause is not a sign of laziness, but a wise investment in our holistic well-being. If you'd like to discuss how you can reset your balance in your life and find more joy, let's chat during a FREE Breakthrough session over Zoom. You can book yours here Joyful Balance Breakthrough Session - Joyful Balance (joyfulbalancewellbeing.com)
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